CELTIC could look to sign Boubakar Kouyate should a deal for Shane Duffy fail to transpire. The Malian defender could be available for just £3m after FC Metz made an offer in that region.
According to France Football, Metz are close to tempting Troyes into accepting an offer.
Following Jozo Simunovic’s exit, Celtic have been looking to bolster their backline with just Nir Bitton, Christopher Jullien and Kris Ajer the only central defenders at the club. Shane Duffy has been heavily linked but so far no deal has been agreed.
The ex-Sporting Lisbon man wants a move to England but would not qualify for a work permit due to the stringent rules in place by the FA meaning Celtic could be an option for him.
The four-capped defender is the subject of interest around Europe and they wanted £5m for him; however, as a result of Troyes failed to gain promotion and may be forced to sell the defender to ease the burden caused by Coronavirus.
Celtic have fared well with youngsters coming from France over the last few years with Olivier Ntcham, Moussa Dembele and Odsonne Edouard all being brought through French academies. Ntcham and Dembele moved across the Channel to English clubs before eventually making their way to Celtic.
