Celtic reportedly still keen on 26-year-old striker, prior report claimed Hoops lost interest

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Celtic are reportedly still keen on Caleb Ekuban, according to Turkish newspaper Fanatik, despite signing Albian Ajeti and despite a prior report claiming the Hoops had dropped their interest in the 26-year-old striker.

Haber TS claimed on August 17 that Celtic had dropped their interest in the Trabzonspor striker as they were not prepared to match the Superlig club’s €7million (£6.3million) asking price.

The Bhoys reportedly refused to go over €5million (£4.5million) for the Ghana international, and given the apparent stalemate, they were said to have pulled the plug on a prospective deal.

While Fanatik has acknowledged the reported difference between Trabzonspor’s demands and Celtic’s offer, the outlet added that the Parkhead side has not “let go” of Ekuban.

This is despite Celtic signing Albian Ajeti, a player who was said to be on the Turkish side’s radar.

Ekuban has experience of playing in Britain, having been on the books of English side Leeds United up until last summer before joining Trabzonspor for £900,000, as reported by Sabah.

Last season, he registered 10 goals and 11 assists in 34 competitive appearances for Trabzonspor.

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Ekuban has bounced back well from his underwhelming spell at Leeds to become Trabzonspor’s key man and put them in contention for the Superlig title last season, ultimately falling just short.

Despite his qualities, however, £6.3million does seem a bit steep for a player who scored just five goals in 22 league appearances last term and was out injured for a lot of games.

When you factor in that Celtic have also snapped up Albian Ajeti, plus they have Odsonne Edouard, Leigh Griffiths and Patryk Klimala in their ranks, it makes little sense for them to still be so keen on Ekuban at that price tag.