Celtic dealt transfer blow in pursuit of striker with £15m price tag as talks reach 'advanced' stage with club
The Romanian international scored 25 goals in all competitions for CFR Cluj last season
Celtic manager Wilfried Nancy is expected to prioritise the addition of a new centre-forward when the January window opens and wantaway CFR Cluj star Louis Munteanu could represent a potential solution.
The Romanian international, who was previously linked with the Hoops in the summer, is set to leave his parent club next month as the Superliga outfit look to balance the books amid ongoing financial struggles.
Munteanu tried to force a move away from Cluj six months ago after topping the goalscoring chart in his homeland by netting 25 times last season. A number of bids were rebuffed, including one from the Scottish champions.
The 23-year-old was valued at around £15 million at the time but that asking price has dropped significantly since then due to Cluj’s current cash woes with club officials now indicating that a deal could be agreed for as low as £6-8m.
On paper, Munteanu boasts attributes that could see him addresses Celtic’s blunt attack with his combination of clinical finishing and a physical presence ensuring he will be a man in demand this winter.
Long-term Celtic target Louis Munteanu unlikely to join champions
While he would undoubtedly improve the current lack of options at Nancy’s disposal, Celtic’s chances of securing his services appears to be fading rapidly.
Munteanu’s future is likely to be resolved soon with Cluj chairman Iuliu Muresan admitting they are in “advanced talks” with an unnamed club to sell - but Celtic are not the team in question.
He told DigiSport: “We are in advanced discussions to sell two more players and we will solve the financial problems. Louis Munteanu is one of them. If it happens, and there are very high chances, the financial situation will change. The amount is satisfactory and realistic compared to what CFR is now and what Louis Munteanu is now.
“No, they (Celtic) hasn’t contacted us at all. Nothing has reached the club. The club hasn’t been contacted by either the manager or anyone on their behalf. It’s hard to believe that it wouldn’t have reached me.”
Celtic to explore other options as interest ‘rekindled’ in Napoli striker
Should Munteanu swerve a move to Parkhead, Celtic will need to return to the drawing board again as Nancy’s seeks reinforcements with only injury-prone Kelechi Iheanacho and Johnny Kenny out-and-out number nines.
Napoli frontman Giuseppe Ambrosino is one name they could explore further with reports suggesting interest has been ‘rekindled’ in the Italy under-21 international.
A loan enquiry has been submitted to the reigning Serie A champions for one of their up-and-coming prospects, who penned a new long-term contract until 2030 in October.