Another Celtic striker could leave as deadline day scramble takes fresh twist
Shamrock Rovers are ready to step up their bid to re-sign Johnny Kenny on loan from Celtic - leaving the Hoops even lighter up front.
Brendan Rodgers has been scouring the loan market for a new striker as the Scottish champions work against the clock to find a short-term replacement for Kyogo. But with the 11pm deadline looming, time is running out for the Premiership leaders to sign a new frontman - eight days after sanctioning Japanese sensation Kyogo's £10million exit to Rennes.
And reports in Ireland claim Shamrock Rovers are poised to launch a shock move to take young striker Kenny back to the Tallaght Stadium. The 21-year-old returned from a successful loan with the Irish side last month, where he scored seven goals in nine European games. He also netted 13 goals for Rovers in the Irish League last season and Rodgers has been taking a closer look at the frontman in recent weeks.
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Kenny made his Celtic debut in the recent 4-1 win at Ross County and has been an unused sub in league games against Dundee and Motherwell. And despite Celtic being depleted of attacking options, the Irish Independent reports that Rovers are still hopeful of bringing Kenny back for one more loan stint.
Clubs in the Republic of Ireland have until February 22 to conclude their winter business, but Kenny would need to be in the door by Thursday midnight to be registered in time for the Europa Conference League knockout playoff double-header against Norwegian cracks Molde.
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