Celtic transfer target Mahamadou Diawara is available for a cut-price fee amid Olympique Lyonnais’ ongoing financial crisis.

The Hoops were initially linked with a move for the 19-year-old at the end of the summer transfer window when it was reported they had a loan with an €8m (£6.6m) option to buy bid rejected. Such links re-emerged at the weekend, with the club still said to be keen on the midfielder.

Now, FootMercato claims Diawara is available for a much lower price than expected.  Indeed, due to Lyon’s struggling financial position, they will take between €4m (£3.3m) and €5m (£4.1m) for Diawara’s services, just over half of their previous asking price.

Celtic’s Opportunity

Lyon’s desire to make a quick buck could play to Celtic’s advantage.

While the Hoops’ engine room is already strong in depth, one should never pass up on the opportunity to build from a position of power.

Diawara is a physical, left-footed central midfielder. He’s only played 37 minutes of first-team football this campaign and will undoubtedly want away from the Groupama Stadium next month.

As Celtic prepare for a busy second half of the season, the acquisition of Diawara could provide Brendan Rodgers with yet another talented option in the middle of the park.