Celtic have received a major transfer boost in their bid to keep hold of young French star Moussa Dembélé, after Brighton and Hove Albion confirmed the signing of Jürgen Locadia on Sunday night.
Last month, there were false speculations suggesting that Celtic had agreed to sell Dembélé to the Premier League side for around £18million. Although these false allegations were rubbished by both sides, Bright manager Chris Hughton did place his interest in the 21-year old on record.
However, the newly-promoted Premier League club today confirmed their club-record signing of Dutch striker Locadia from Eredivisie side PSV, which reportedly cost the Seagulls in the region of £14million.
In doing so, it is believed that Hughton’s side have cooled their interest in the former Fulham youngster and move in for another player instead.
Dembélé is certain to attract more interest abroad before the transfer window closes, but Celtic will be relieved for now to know that the former leading contestant to sign him are now unlikely to continue their pursuit.
The striker hasn’t had a successful season as he did last season for the Bhoys where he found the net 40 times in 70 appearances across all competition, but the Hoops will be hoping is is at his best as they pursue Europa League success alongside domestic honours.
This present campaign, Scott Sinclair is the leading Celtic goalscorer having found the net 17 times while Dembele has only scored eight goals this season.