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Danny Ings to Celtic transfer interest surges on deadline day as Rodgers 'eyes' mentality monster reunion

Celtic are reportedly among the clubs showing interest in West Ham striker Danny Ings with the clock ticking on deadline day.

As it stands, Adam Idah is the only recognised first-team striker with regular minutes leading the line for the Hoops - with Johnny Kenny making just one appearance since returning from his successful loan spell at Shamrock Rovers. Kyogo Furuhashi made a £10m move to Stade Rennes earlier in the window has left a gaping hole in the team - and Brendan Rodgers confessed following Sunday's win over Motherwell that the arrival of a new frontman would likely be on loan.

Now reports suggest that the Hoops are among the clubs showing interest in the 32-year-old - who has struggled to hold down a regular starting spot in the Premier League this season. The England cap has scored just once this term and has struggled to earn a chance in the starting line-up since the appointment of Graham Potter earlier this month.

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The Sun report that Celtic are joined by Premier League side Everton and Southampton and Championship outfit Leeds United in the race to get a deal over the line. But the Scottish champions could have an advantage with Rodgers a fan of the frontman from his days at Liverpool.

Danny Ings -Credit:Getty Images
Danny Ings -Credit:Getty Images

He brought Ings to Liverpool during his tenure as boss - and despite an injury-plagued spell at Anfield the Irishman has previously talked up the frontman. During his time as Leicester CIty boss, Rodgers said on the striker: “He’s a very good player, Danny. I signed him for Liverpool so I know his qualities.

"He wants to run in behind and he’s a very good finisher when he gets in. It's really nice to see for him, that he has got that clean bill of health. He is a very good finisher and once he gets in, he has got different types of finishes. What Danny has is a great mentality. He has had a number of injuries in his career and it really shows you how strong he is.

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers
Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers -Credit:SNS Group

“When he was at Bournemouth as a young player, and when we took him from Burnley, he was very, very unfortunate. He picked up a number of injuries.

"He scored in my last game at Liverpool, in the derby game. He is a threat and it's just been unfortunate that he hasn't been able to stay fit. Once he does that, gets a regular run of games, he will show that he can always score goals."

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