Celtic target Ryan Mmaee has been the subject of a bid from Lens in France as they look to firm up their interest in the attacker, according to a report by Inside Futbol which follows on from another update by DM Sport which stated the Morrocan had received offers from both Lens and Al-Duhail SC in the Middle East.

Celtic had been linked with a move for the Ferencvaros man as a possible option for Ange Postecoglou as he looks to beef up his attack going into his second season in Scotland. With injuries occurring to both Kyogo Furuhashi and Giorgos Giakoumakis last year costing us at various points, the potential for a third striker could be wise.

Real Betis’ Spanish forward Alex Moreno (C-L) and Ferencvaros’ Moroccan forward Ryan Mmaee vie for the ball during the UEFA Europa League Group G football match between Ferencvaros and Real Betis in Budapest, Hungary, on September 30, 2021. (Photo by Attila KISBENEDEK / AFP) (Photo by ATTILA KISBENEDEK/AFP via Getty Images)

It’s obvious that Albian Ajeti isn’t in the Greek-Aussie’s long-term plans also, prompting stronger suggestions that another forward could be on the shopping list for Celtic this summer transfer window. Shifting Ajeti could prove to be difficult however, given that he signed a hefty contract in 2020.

Interest in Mmaee gathered momentum recently, with Union Saint-Gilloise also mentioned in the article as monitoring the situation closely with a view to making a concrete offer for him. The striker netted 17 goals and 11 assists in 37 appearances for the Hungarians last year and these performances have attracted the eye of the Bhoys.

With a year to go on his current deal, Mmaee may be available for considerably less than one would have been expected for such a talent. At still only 24-years-old, the ceiling is still extremely high for a man hoping to impress in this winter’s World Cup in Qatar with his nation after returning from an ankle injury.

BUDAPEST, HUNGARY – SEPTEMBER 30: Ryan Mmaee of Ferencvarosi TC heads the ball next to Marc Bartra of Real Betis during the UEFA Europa League group G match between Ferencvarosi TC and Real Betis at Ferencvaros Stadium on September 30, 2021 in Budapest, Hungary. (Photo by Laszlo Szirtesi/Getty Images)

Whether or not Celtic decide to up the ante in light of these recent revelations is merely conjecture at this point. There is still other areas of the team needing more urgent attention than the forward line at the moment. Daizen Maeda can also fill in at centre-forward as well as left-wing and negates the necessity to give the firepower an immediate boost.

Paul GIllespie