Celtic have emerged as the latest side interested in recruiting out-of-favour Leeds United striker Joel Piroe, according to Football League World.
The 26-year-old has just 12 appearances this season in all competitions and is struggling to compete against in-form Englishman, and Premier League Player of the Month, Dominic Calvert-Lewin, in the Leeds pecking order.
Celtic are rumoured to be interested in a loan move for last season’s Championship top goalscorer as Martin O’Neil returns for his second interim spell, and looks to bolster his frontline as they chase league leaders Hearts.
Middlesbrough are also rumoured to be interested in Piroe, who has 73 goals in 179 EFL Championship appearances for both Swansea City and Leeds.
The Boro are just six points behind Coventry City, who sit at the top of the table, and will be hoping that a proven second-division goalscorer like Piroe will help them secure an automatic promotion spot.
Daniel Farke’s side are not yet willing to force Piroe out, but would be keen on a permanent deal for him with his contract lasting until 2027. Joel Piroe will also be keen to get more regular minutes after declaring his national allegiance for Suriname earlier this month, who face Bolivia in a World Cup Playoff game in March.
Good signs for Middlesbrough
The Boro may also be higher up Leeds’s list of preferred destinations for Piroe, given that their owners, 49ers Enterprises, have a controlling stake in Celtic’s rivals Rangers. The Lillywhites’ owners may be unwilling to strengthen Celtic’s title challenge by allowing Piroe a move to Scotland.
Celtic have also been linked with West Ham striker Callum Wilson, who is reportedly keen to terminate his contract with the Hammers early, given their struggles this season.
However, Wilson has also been the subject of interest from Saudi Arabian sides and speaking ahead of the Scottish Cup clash with Auchinleck Talbot, the Celtic interim said he believed that Wilson was heading “elsewhere.”
Celtic could then be forced to make a move for Joel Piroe, although behind the scenes, ownership rivalries could mean that Middlesbrough have the best chance of landing the 26-year-old.