Bannan orders Celtic to sign free agent, offers something different to Edouard

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Barry Bannan has told the Daily Record that Celtic have got to sign free agent Steven Fletcher, as he offers something different to Neil Lennon’s current options up front – just weeks after Fletcher left Bannan’s Sheffield Wednesday.

Fletcher, 33, saw his contract at Wednesday expire at the end of last season – despite netting an impressive 13 goals in 27 Championship appearances. It saw the 33-time Scotland international end a four-year stay at Hillsbrough.

The former Hibernian striker has been strongly linked with Celtic in the past and the Record have claimed in a separate piece that Celtic have made initial contact with the player’s agent over a move this summer.

The Hoops are keen for a striker, with Albian Ajeti and Ivan Toney also options. Bannan, though, believes Fletcher would be the perfect signing for Neil Lennon’s side – as he offers something different to their current options.

“When you look at the strikers in the Celtic squad, they have Edouard, Leigh Griffiths and Patryk Klimala but Fletch has something completely different to all of them,” Bannan said.

“Celtic have brilliant players who play behind Edouard such as Ryan Christie, James Forrest and Callum McGregor who like to join in and he’d be absolutely brilliant within that Celtic team.”

TBR’s view – Fletcher in surely spells the end for Griffiths?

It goes without saying that Edouard is easily the club’s number one striker, and probably their best player at the moment. A hat-trick against Hamilton on Sunday is proof of just that.

Patryk Klimala came on to score his first competitive goal and after an excellent pre-season, he is likely to be considered second or third choice. Celtic and Lennon will want at least three options up front.

Vakoun Bayo is likely to leave and if Celtic sign a striker – such as Fletcher – surely Leigh Griffiths will also be thrown on the scrapheap after criticism over his weight during the early stages of pre-season.