Report: Celtic striker deal hits the skids, as West Brom look to pounce

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Read Celtic have claimed that a move to sign West Ham United striker Albian Ajeti on a season-long loan has stalled, with West Bromwich Albion and ex-Hammers boss Slaven Bilic looking to lure the Swiss ace to the Hawthorns.

Ajeti, 23, is on the firing list at West Ham this summer after the Manuel Pellegrini signing completely flopped. Just 12 appearances for the Hammers since his £8million (TalkSPORT) move, Ajeti has failed to score a single goal.

The Guardian claimed earlier this week that the 10-time Switzerland international was on his way to Parkhead this summer on a season-long loan. But the latest reports claim that deal has now stalled.

Read Celtic claim that Bilic is looking to raid his former side for Ajeti – who scored 43 goals in 96 games for FC Basel. West Ham want a permanent deal which is why West Brom are leading Celtic in the race for the striker.

TBR’s view – Still some Celtic hope, but is it worth waiting?

Of course, if West Brom and West Ham fail to agree a fee, then a loan move to Celtic is reinstalled as the most likely option. That should not be difficult given the Hammers are likely to accept a fee smaller than their £8million outlay.

Celtic’s season begins on Sunday and they still have Odsonne Edouard as first-choice, Leigh Griffiths who has bounced back since earlier pre-season criticism and a much-improved Patryk Klimala.

Celtic are seemingly fine in the striker department. Neil Lennon will hardly lose any sleep if they fail to sign Ajeti.