Slovan Bratislava chief executive Ivan Kmotrík has admitted that long-term Celtic target David Strelec could be allowed to leave for less than the Hoops bid for him in January.

Celtic’s reported £7 million offer for the 24-year-old was knocked back during the winter transfer window, with Slovan holding out for a fee closer to £9 million. However, the Slovakian club’s stance may now soften as they prepare for summer business.

Kmotrík revealed that the club were not ready to sanction Strelec’s departure in January due to a lack of replacement options, but confirmed that interest in the forward remains strong.

“We took a risk with David. In the summer, maybe a slightly lower offer will come, it can happen,” Kmotrík said. “David didn’t leave in the winter because we weren’t ready for it. The offers were very good, but the really interesting ones came at the last minute.”

He continued: “Today, I can’t rule out whether he will stay or leave. There is still interest in him. Compared to the winter, he will only be a few months older, his position has not deteriorated significantly. Maybe the club will earn a little less, but he will be well prepared.” [RecordSport]

The player’s father, Strelec Sr., who also played for Slovan Bratislava, previously spoke of his enthusiasm at the thought of his son playing for Celtic. “When I heard about Celtic’s interest, I was thrilled. I would have loved to see him there,” he said.

Celtic will need to enter the market for a striker this summer, that’s a certainty. The club failed to replace Kyogo in the winter window, after he completes the move to Rennes.

Maeda has since moved to the central position and has been superb, but there is still a feeling that the club need another striker with doubts lingering over Adam Idah after he made the permanent move to Celtic in the summer.

Whether Celtic return with a revised offer remains to be seen, but Strelec’s situation could be one to watch as the summer window approaches.