Kelechi Iheanacho’s sudden free agent status has handed Celtic a narrow but vital lifeline in their pursuit of a new striker following the closure of the transfer window.

Sevilla and the Nigeria international have agreed to terminate his contract, meaning he can now sign outside the window. Celtic had made a late move for the 28-year-old before Monday night’s deadline.

Now, with Iheanacho available on a free, remain in the frame – but the clock is still ticking.

While the pressure of the transfer deadline has lifted, Celtic face a different kind of deadline. Any player hoping to feature in the UEFA Europa League must be registered by 11pm on Tuesday (September 2). That gives Celtic just a day to reach an agreement with Iheanacho and complete all the necessary paperwork if they want him available for the European campaign.

Brendan Rodgers has been vocal about the need to bolster the squad after the club failed to land Kasper Dolberg or David Datro Fofana on deadline day. With Adam Idah gone and no new forward through the door, securing Iheanacho would go a long way to calming growing concerns about attacking depth.

The former Leicester City and Manchester City striker has a wealth of top-level experience and a strong relationship with Rodgers from their time together in the Premier League.

Celtic now have a second chance to get this one done — but they need to act fast.