Celtic are looking at Slovakian striker Ladislav Almasi, should a deal for Cho Gue-sung fail to materialise. The massive forward currently plays his football in the Czech Republic, where he is employed at present by Banik Ostrava, whom Celtic played during our pre-season regime.
Now it has been reported by Daily Record that Ange Postecoglou is looking at possible alternatives to the South Korean if a deal cannot be completed for him to become our third striker and provide Kyogo Furuhashi and Giorgos Giakoumakis with more competition. Giakoumakis has recently turned down an offer of a contract extension from the club, holding out for a better offer – which has fuelled speculation about his immediate future.
During the summertime, Postecoglou was linked with making a play for the 6ft 5′ centre-forward but nothing happened in the end up. But now it looks as though the manager may be keen on reigniting that interest if there is a possibility that he cannot procure World Cup star Cho, who managed two goals against African nation Ghana during the tournament.
If the Hoops do turn their attention to the towering Almasi, reports in the Czech Republic claim that it would take €2.5 million (£2.2 million) for the Bhoys to steal him away from Banik. The 23-year-old has managed to nab himself five goals in seven appearances so far this campaign. It would certainly be a different sort of striker to compete with our current crop, providing a real physical profile up top.
Paul Gillespie
