Moussa Dembele has been linked with a move away from Celtic this summer, with a host of Premier League clubs keen to procure his signature.
Brighton tried and failed to sign the 21-year-old Frenchman during the January transfer window, but Dembele is still expected to switch clubs ahead of the 2018/19 campaign.
He’s enjoyed a goal-laden two seasons at Parkhead after his free transfer move from Fulham, bagging 15 goals in all competitions this season, but Celtic may be losing him as he seeks to boost his hopes of making the French national team.
The likes of Chelsea, Arsenal and Manchester United have been linked with Dembele in the last 12 months which means manager Brendan Rodgers need a new striker to replace his goals.
Football Weeks have identified three players who Celtic should consider if they lose the 21-year-old.
Dwight Gayle
Rodgers will definitely remember Dwight Gayle after what he did to Liverpool as a Crystal Palace player. The 27-year-old striker scored two goals for Palace against Rodgers’ Liverpool side which ended their Premier League title hopes.
Regardless, Gayle would be a good replacement for Dembele. He was instrumental in helping Newcastle United earning promotion to the Premier League last season with 23 league goals. He’s not been at his best in the top-flight this season, netting only five goals in 30 games, but a move to Scotland could see him turn things around.
Christian Benteke
Benteke traditionally plays as a target man and he wouldn’t be a like-for-like replacement. He’s been short of form too.
Currently playing for Crystal Palace, the Belgian international has scored just two goals in 27 league games this season.
He’s played for Rodgers before in a spell at Liverpool and could resurrect his career by renewing acquaintances with the Celtic boss.
Kelechi Iheanacho
The former Manchester City striker could be a good option for Celtic. Iheanacho quit the Citizens due to lack of playing time under Pep Guardiola but hasn’t impressed with his new club Leicester City either.
He’s scored just one goal for Leicester this season but shouldn’t be ruled out by Celtic as he netted an impressive 21 goals in 64 games for the Sky Blues. He may not be cheap, however, as Leicester paid £25m for the young Nigerian international.