Celtic transfer news as Balikwisha timeline emerges and Ambrosino gets appraisal
Celtic will reportedly ramp up their attempts to sign long-term target Michel Ange Balikwisha if they are successful in qualifying for the Champions League.
The Royal Antwerp star has been heavily linked with the Hoops inside the past 12 months, with Brendan Rodgers on the hunt for a new wide player following Nicolas Kuhn 's £17million exit to Como.
And reports in Belgium claim that while he is still on their radar, theParkhead giants champions may have to negotiate the two-legged tie to get into the revamped group stage of Europe's premiere competition before they can make a move for the ex Belgium youth international.
Celtic will find out their opponents for the crunch tie in Monday's draw in Nyon, Switzerland.
The report also insists that Southampton have made no formal approach to land Baliwkisha, despite links with the 24-year-old.
Meanwhile, Celtic have been told exactly what reported target Giueseppe Ambrosino can bring to Rodgers' attacking arsenal.
The Hoops have been linked with a move for the Napoli youngster, who's future with the Serie A champions is unclear after spending the whole of last season out on loan with Frosinone in Serie B.
As well as Celtic, Serie A duo Cremonese and Cagliari and second tier sides Bari and Pescara are also said to hold an interest in the forward, who is into the final year of his contract in Naples.
And according to former Napoli number two Nicolo Frustalupi - who worked with the 21-year-old during his short tenure as assistant manager to Walter Mazzari at the Diego Armando Maradona between November 2023 and February 2024 - Ambrosino ticks all the boxes as an all-round striker.
Speaking to tuttomercatoweb, he said: "One of his best qualities, in my opinion, is his shot: it's powerful and accurate.
"It's truly his strongest asset. For a centre forward, he's also very technical: he communicates well with his teammates, he's good at laying off and moving the team forward. He's good in the air, especially when it comes to finishing.
"He's not exceptional at flicking on or in aerial duels to provide a point of support, but when it comes to finishing with his head, he's effective. In the Primavera, he was also very good at running forward."
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