Celtic have checked on the conditions of Egyptian midfielder Emam Ashour.
The Al-Ahly playmaker has been away with his nation at the World Cup this summer and scored his first two goals for the country against Belgium and Australia respectively.
The Hoops, as we at Celts Are Here told you previously, are in the market for midfield reinforcements and see Ashour as a No.8 who can also fill in as defensive midfield cover.
But perhaps most interestingly he showed his versatility at the summer tournament and played on both wings for Hossam Hassan’s Egyptian side and performed impressively.
We understand Celtic have checked numbers with the player’s club as well as his representation as they weigh up more transfer incomings for Martin O’Neill this coming season.
While some reports around his situation have suggested Al Ahly could demand a higher fee, CeltsAreHere understands the deal could be done for around £4m.
That figure would make the deal far more realistic for Celtic than some of the higher numbers mentioned around Ashour’s situation in recent weeks. Al Ahly are in a strong position because the midfielder is under contract until 2028, but CeltsAreHere understands the conditions of a deal are not currently viewed as impossible.
There is also believed to be interest from Saudi Arabia and England, which could complicate matters if Celtic decide to firm up their interest. Saudi clubs would be difficult to compete with financially, while any serious move from England would naturally change the picture.
However, Celtic can offer European football, a major platform and the chance to play a key role under Martin O’Neill. For a player of Ashour’s age and experience, this would be more of a ready-made signing than a development move.
Despite being 28-years-old, Celtic are believed to want to bring experience to join O’Neill’s squad with the likes of Kelechi Iheanacho and Marcelo Saracchi, also other targets, close to that age.
Camilo Duran, meanwhile, is poised to make his move to Glasgow with just the announcement to come on his £5.5m deal.
Ashour has already had a taste of European football, having spent time with FC Midtjylland in Denmark before returning to Egypt with Al Ahly. That experience would be relevant for Celtic if they decide to take their interest further, with O’Neill keen to add players who can contribute quickly rather than simply build for the future.
For now, Ashour is one to watch rather than a deal at an advanced stage. But Celtic checking the conditions of a move shows he is on the radar, and at around £4m with wages understood to be workable, it is a situation that could become interesting if O’Neill pushes for another experienced midfield option.
