Sheffield United join Celtic in transfer pursuit of striker with traits that can 'cost a lot of money'

Sheffield United have reportedly joined Celtic in the race for a striker currently playing at English League One level - amid a big money warning.

The Hoops know striker is a position of urgent upgrading this summer after struggling with the exits of Kyogo and Adam Idah over the last year and change. Several have been linked and one is Plymouth forward Lorent Tolaj after a good season under ex-Manchester United midfielder Tom Cleverly at Home Park.

He has some Scottish football experience through a brief loan at Dundee from Brighton earlier in his career but has since hit form with Aldershot, Port Vale and now Plymouth. He’s netted 21 times with seven assists this term and it’s attracted new interest from the likes of Championship side Sheffield United. Relegated second tier side Leicester City and Preston North End are others who are said to have joined Celtic in the race for the ex-Swiss youth international.

Who wants to sign Lorent Tolaj this summer?

Transfer journalist Alan Nixon claims via Patreon: “Plymouth striker Lorent Tolaj is being chased by a handful of clubs - less than a year since joining the Green Army. The Swiss forward has helped Argyle have a go for promotion but may be sold in the summer, months after moving from Port Vale. Sheffield United are checking on Tolaj while Preston and relegated Leicester are also on his trail. The Foxes want a proven striker to fire them back to the Championship and could push the boat out.”

Cleverly has already warned interested parties that strikers like Tolaj end up being sold for a big chunk of cash, and with the forward under contract until 2029, Plymouth are yet to receive any concrete bids for their asset. He told BBC Devon this week: "Neither mine or [director of football] Derek Adams' phone has received any calls.

"But I'd imagine agents are doing their thing in the background. Tolly hasn't expressed anything about wanting to leave the football club and I think you can see by his work-rate and competitive spirit more than anything, before you talk about the goals, how much he loves playing for Argyle.

What is Celtic’s striker situation ahead of the summer transfer window?

"Obviously, he's one of our best players, he will attract some interest and inquiries. Every team in the country would love a striker that can turn a draw into a win in the blink of an eye and those do cost a lot of money."

Kelechi Iheanacho and Callum Osmand have both had injury issues this season in terms of the strikers Celtic have at their disposal. Tomas Cvancara and Junior Adamu both arrived on loan in January and are yet to make much impact while Johnny Kenny was loaned to Bolton Wanderers in the winter. Daizen Maeda has often moved from out wide to through the middle for the Hoops.

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