Kasper Dolberg’s Ajax return could already be heading towards an early end, just nine months after Celtic tried to bring the Danish striker to Glasgow.

Voetbal International report that Ajax sporting director Jordi Cruyff is now trying to sell Dolberg as the Dutch club look to reshape their squad.

That is a particularly interesting development given Celtic’s interest in the forward last summer. The Hoops were keen on Dolberg during the window, but a deal never materialised and he instead returned to Ajax.

At the time, Dolberg looked like the kind of experienced striker Celtic could use. He had pedigree, international experience and a strong connection with Ajax after coming through there earlier in his career.

But the move back to Amsterdam has not gone as planned.

Now, less than a year on, Ajax appear ready to move him on again. That will raise eyebrows at Celtic, particularly with Martin O’Neill still needing clarity in the forward department.

Celtic’s striker situation remains one of the bigger issues of the summer. Kelechi Iheanacho’s future is still uncertain, while Tomas Cvancara has returned to Borussia Monchengladbach after his loan spell. There are also ongoing questions around Daizen Maeda, who has been impressing with Japan at the World Cup.

Dolberg being made available does not automatically mean Celtic will go back in. Summer priorities change quickly, and O’Neill may have different targets in mind after getting a proper look at the squad in pre-season.

But the situation is worth watching. Celtic had interest before, the player’s Ajax move has not worked out, and the Hoops still need attacking reinforcements.

The key question would be whether Dolberg still fits what Celtic want now. O’Neill has spoken about wanting his team to play with more purpose, pace and edge, and any striker addition will have to suit that plan.

For Ajax, it looks like a quick rethink. For Celtic, it is another name from the recent past suddenly back on the market at a time when the striker search is far from settled.