Celtic’s search for a new striker has taken another turn, with reports in Italy linking the Scottish champions with Norwegian forward Tobias Lauritsen.

According to Liguria-based outlet Il Secolo XIX, Lauritsen is on the shortlist of both Celtic and Leicester City this summer.

However, the report adds that Italian side Sampdoria are currently the club pushing hardest to secure his signature.

The 28-year-old is available on a free transfer after allowing his contract with Sparta Rotterdam to expire.

That immediately makes him an attractive option for clubs looking to strengthen without paying a transfer fee.

Lauritsen enjoyed an impressive final season in the Eredivisie, scoring 12 goals and providing five assists as one of Sparta Rotterdam’s key attacking players.

Standing at 6ft 4in, he also offers something different stylistically.

His aerial presence and ability to occupy centre-backs could appeal to Martin O’Neill, who has often favoured having a physical focal point in his attack.

Supporters only need to look back to last January, when O’Neill brought in Tomas Cvancara as Celtic chased the league title, to see the type of profile he has been willing to add.

With Kelechi Iheanacho now out of contract and uncertainty surrounding Celtic’s attacking options, the club are expected to recruit at least one striker before the transfer window closes.

Lauritsen would certainly fit a different mould to many of the forwards linked with Parkhead this summer.

His experience, goalscoring record and free-agent status make him an intriguing option.

Whether Celtic’s reported interest develops into a formal approach remains to be seen.