EFL club eye Celtic and Sheffield United target in £10m spending spree amid 'leading candidates' shortlist

Celtic are set to be joined by Leicester City in the hunt for a striking target - and they have money to spend.

The Hoops already have a clutch of EFL clubs like Sheffield United and Derby County hunting alongside them for Plymouth Argyle forward Lorent Tolaj. He’s had a fantastic debut campaign at Home Park, where he netted 22 goals in 39 appearances in all competitions, sparking mass transfer rumours. Plymouth are keen to keep him, and if Celtic are to sign him, they’ll now need to fend off a Foxes side with cash to splash.

It’s claimed the side relegated to League One from the English Championship will be backed by a £10m transfer kitty. Tolaj is viewed as a leading candidate when it comes to spending that money, amid the Celtic and Sheffield United links. Leicester are in managerial uncertainty with Gary Rowett out of contract after relegation.

Who could Lorent Tolaj sign for this summer?

Transfer journalist Alan Nixon claims via his Patreon: “Leicester City will have £10 million to sign on new players - and are already looking to spend. The Foxes have slumped to League One but their spies and scouts have already been told there is a budget to go for quick deals.

“And that will be reassessed over the summer when some players are set to leave and the payroll comes down. Lorent Tolaj at Plymouth is among their leading candidates. Leicester will start speaking to a small group of candidates for the managerial job this week.”

Martin O’Neill’s Celtic in the meantime have boosted their Premiership title hopes with a 2-1 win over Hibs. It puts them level on points with league leaders Hearts ahead of their clash with Rangers, who are third and four behind the Hoops, with a draw perhaps suiting Celtic best. O’Neill’s side host their city rivals on Sunday before ending the term with a trip to Motherwell and sizzling final day battle against Hearts.

Martin O’Neill on Hibs 1-2 Celtic

Speaking on the game, O’Neill said on Sportsound, with Hearts vs Rangers to mind: “I thought we started really brightly with a couple of good chances but we couldn't take them. We got a goal in front and there was a man sent off so you think we should be really comfortable.

"We conceded a really poor goal just before half time and it changes the complexion of the game with Hibs having something to hold on to and they defended very well. Iheanacho comes off the bench and wins the game for us, in a game you thought we would be comfortable but it was an edgy ending.

"We've played some really decent stuff but we had to defend towards the end. Of course there was an anxiety before the goal but we got there. It's natural there would be anxiety with our supporters and maybe with the manager too. We've just got to take each game on its merit. You can't control anything else."

The Scottish Football Social Club is presented by BetSBK.com | 18+ | Gamble Responsibly