Everton, Villa and Celtic lead race for newly-promoted Scotland star

After play-off success against Yorkshire rivals Sheffield United at the weekend, Huddersfield Town now look set for another battle, as they aim to hold onto star striker Jordan Rhodes.

The 22-year-old has been integral to the Terriers’ promotion to the Championship, amassing an incredible 40 goals across all competitions last season as they finished fourth in League One.

With promotion now secured though, a host of clubs have renewed their interest in the Scotland striker, who was a cut-price acquisition from Ipswich back in 2009.

Everton and Aston Villa are amongst those in the hunt for the forward, whilst West Ham have also rekindled an interest in the man they attempted to sign back in January.

More serious contenders would appear to be Fulham however, who are primed to make a firm bid for Rhodes, as Scottish Premier League champions Celtic may be priced out of a move.

Rhodes is currently rated at £8million, and Huddersfield manager Simon Grayson admitted that such an offer would be difficult to turn down in the aftermath of Saturday’s playoff triumph.

“I saw £8 million quoted. Well, if we got £8 million, that’s a lot of money. Every player has his price and we’d be foolish to not think that we might lose him,” he told reporters.

Fulham may not be prepared to pay such an excessive fee for a player with no Premier League experience, but may test Town’s resolve with a £5million offer for the striker.

Martin Jol has made signing a striker a top priority this summer, and he is eager to test the waters by bidding that sort of fee for the 40-goal hitman.

Meanwhile, Rhodes himself remains unclear on his future, though did outline his commitment to his current employers after Saturday’s Wembley final.

He told reporters, ““I’ve no idea if I am staying. That’s for the people who run the club and, until told otherwise, I’m a Huddersfield Town player and will continue to give 100 per cent for the club.”