According to a report from Foot Mercato, Lens have reportedly agreed a fee with Brøndby for striker Mathias Kvistgaarden — a player long admired by Celtic.

The Danish international had been on Brendan Rodgers’ radar for over a year, but as negotiations dragged and the asking price steadily climbed. Now, the Ligue 1 outfit are believed to have met Brøndby’s valuation to bring the 23-year-old to France.

French reports today suggest Lens have made their move, confident of sealing a deal ahead of pre-season. However, an unnamed Championship club is said to be in the mix, adding a late twist to the developing transfer saga.

Kvistgaarden’s name has been a familiar one to Celtic fans following the club’s repeated scouting missions in Denmark. But patience wore thin as Brøndby appeared to price the player out and it has then became a less realistic aim for Brendan Rodgers.  With other forward options emerging, Celtic look to have redirected their recruitment focus.

While the Hoops were once front-runners for his signature at one stage, the escalating cost and shifting priorities ultimately put the brakes on any potential deal. Rodgers is now looking elsewhere to strengthen his attack, with a more efficient spend in mind, having already signing the likes of Benji Nygren and Callum Osmand.

Celtic fans may feel a tinge of frustration watching a long-standing target head to France, but it’s clear the club were unwilling to be held to ransom for a player they once hoped to land for far less.