Celtic’s reported loan approach for Leeds United striker Joel Piroe was “laughed off” by the Elland Road club earlier in the week, according to the Yorkshire Evening Post. 

It’s claimed that when Celtic enquired about a potential loan for Piroe, Leeds insiders laughed it off and did not even engage in talks, not just because the offer was underwhelming, but due to an “apparent lack of appreciation” for the existing relationship between Leeds and Rangers via the 49ers.

The YEP say there was genuine bewilderment on the Leeds side about whether Celtic’s approach was serious.

In fact, shortly after links began circulating midweek, CeltsAreHere made it clear that Joel Piroe was not actively seeking a move away during this January window.

A club source at Leeds told CeltsAreHere:

“Joel Piroe has indicated he wishes to fight for his place and prove himself in the Premier League and the club have no intention of forcing him to leave. Should circumstances change, a loan move is unlikely to suit any party.”

That statement nails both sides of the story. Piroe wants to stay and battle for minutes in England’s top flight, and Leeds have no desire to facilitate a departure that would benefit a direct rival in the Scottish title race.

What raised eyebrows among fans was the suggestion that Leeds chairman Paraag Marathe, who also serves as vice‑chairman at Rangers, would be comfortable sanctioning a loan to Celtic. Anyone off the street could have told you it would never happen.

The objective this month is to sign a striker who can make an immediate impact but this clearly wasn’t it.

Instead, it became another embarrassment and underlines how disjointed and, frankly, underpowered Celtic’s approach to the transfer market has looked so far this window.