CELTIC are reportedly looking to the French market to bolster their defensive options following Jozo Simunovic’s exit from the club last week. The Croatian central defender’s year extension clause wasn’t triggered by the 9IAR Champions meaning that the club would be left with just two first team central defenders, Kris Ajer and Christopher Ajer.

France Football are reporting that Celtic are interested in Kiki Kouyate from French Ligue 2 outfit Troyes.

The report states that £4.5m will secure the signature of the 23-year-old defender, with Lens having offered £3m for the Malian international. 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 from Bundesliga clubs as well as Rangers according the the report. 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.