Celtic are set to go back in with a bigger offer for Hammarby winger Sebastian Tounekti after seeing their first bid knocked back earlier this week.
Reports in Sweden say the Hoops want to drive the deal forward before the window shuts.
The opening offer, worth around 33 million kronor – about £2.5 million – was turned down with Hammarby asking for more. Fotbollskanalen now report that Celtic are lining up a second bid of around 43 million kronor, just over £3.2 million, to try and get the Swedes to talk.
With injuries and mixed form hurting Celtic’s wide play, the 23-year-old Tunisian international matches the type of player the club want to bring in.
The lack of depth out wide has become obvious in recent weeks, leaving Rodgers with few trusted options beyond his first-choice starters. Moving for Tounekti shows the Parkhead board are ready to support the manager in the final days of the window.
Hammarby, on their side, are already looking at what might happen if the winger leaves. Local reports suggest IFK Norrköping’s Isak Andri Sigurgeirsson and Brommapojkarna’s Victor Lind are being lined up as possible replacements if Celtic’s next offer lands.
For Celtic, the fresh bid is a big jump from their first attempt but still under the £5 million figure mentioned in Sweden. The next few days will decide if Hammarby bend on their price or if Celtic have to raise their bid again.
With the deadline coming fast, it is a key moment in the market for the Hoops. Tounekti has become a main target, and an offer above £3 million would show clear intent as Rodgers looks to add quality for the season ahead.
