Celtic linked with move for forgotten Premier League striker
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Having recently added former Chelsea and West Ham forward Carlton Cole to their striking ranks it appears Celtic’s swoop on the English top flight is far from over, with a bid for Aston Villa’s Libor Kozak reportedly in the offing.
Kozak has been consistently overlooked by the Villans in the Premier League this season but impressed in an U21 game last night, scoring a brace in front of the watching Ronny Deila at Villa Park.
The Czech Republic international was reported to be mulling over a move to Parkhead in the summer, but instead chose to remain in the Midlands in an attempt to force himself into the starting XI.
However, despite a change in management the former Lazio forward, 26, has been limited to just 48 minutes of first team action after a cameo appearance against Notts County in the League Cup back in August.
As such, reports suggest Deila is more confident of landing his man this time round, with a January bid potentially on the cards.
Celtic have a clear first striker in Leigh Griffiths, with the former Wolves man smashing 14 goals in 15 Ladbrokes Premiership outings this year, but beyond that Kozak would provide stiff competition.
Nadir Ciftci has chipped in with two goals in seven appearances, while Cole and Anthony Stokes have just one appearance apiece and 18-year-old Aiden Nesbitt yet to feature this season.
Kozak is contracted to Villa until 2017 and according to Transfermrkt.com is valued at £2.45m, a fee that could prove a bargain for a striker who reached double figures in his last season in Serie A.
Celtic are currently 9/4 to land a Ladbrokes Premiership, FA Cup and League Cup treble and backers and fans alike might feel more confident of seeing Deila guide his side to such a feat should a player of Kozak’s potential arrive.
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.
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