Celtic hold Mohamed Bayo 'interest' as Kyogo to Rennes 'asking price' starts ripple effect with Jota bargaining chip
Celtic are reportedly showing an "interest" in Lille striker Mohamed Bayo this month.
The Scottish Premiership leaders are yet to make their first move of the January transfer window, with speculation rising that talisman Kyogo Furuhashi could be on his way out of the club amid interest from Stade Rennes. A departure for the 29-year-old would leave Adam Idah as Brendan Rodgers only recognised first-team striker with youngsters Johnny Kenny and Daniel Cummings acting as understudies to the Republic of Ireland international.
But a contingency plan is being put in place, according to Foot Mercato. Guinea international Bayo spent last season on loan at Le Harve and his impressive form earned him a second chance at Lille. However, manager Bruno Genesio has barely given the 26-year-old a look-in with the majority of his 15 appearances this term coming off the bench.
The French report notes that Las Palmas and Como have also "inquired" about the frontman. Should Bayo come in, it could clear a path for Kyogo to leave Glasgow's east end.
Former Celtic star Peter Grant reckons that Celtic will be considering cashing on for around the £10million mark. He told the Go Radio Football Show: "You don't give anyone else a spark by selling one of your better players unless it's right for you. His contract is not up in the summer.
"It depends what he has left on his contract. He has been excellent since he walked in the door but there comes a time where you get offered £10million now or in the summer and you think it's time to cash in."
The Hoops are on the look-out for a winger this month - with murmurs suggesting a return to Parkhead for Jota could be on the card amid a dismal spell at Rennes. The wide man has dropped out of Jorge Sampaoli's plans and has failed to make the bench for the last two games - just months after signing for the Ligue 1 side from Al-Ittihad.
And Jeunes Footeux suggest that the Portuguese attacker could be traded to cut the asking price. It is claimed that the forgotten man could be traded to avoid "a risky bet on his price."
