Celtic target Sebastian Tounekti has broken his silence on the club’s interest, just as the transfer window nears its close.
The Hammarby winger believes Celtic will make a big push before the deadline to try and sign him.
The Hoops have already submitted multiple bids, including an improved offer worth around £3.9 million plus add-ons. But Hammarby are standing firm, with reports suggesting they want more than £5 million to sell.
Tounekti’s comments show he’s open to the move but also values his place in the Hammarby side. He’s become an important player for the Swedish club, and Celtic will need to go all out if they want to get a deal done in time.
He said: (Fotbollskanalen), “I think the interest is still there, and I know they probably won’t give up yet. That’s what I’ve heard.
“They’re going to go all in. So we’ll see what happens. I’m very happy here, but it’s great to see such interest.
“It’s difficult to answer that right now. Things can happen quickly in football. The window closes tomorrow.
“I understand Hammarby. They want to win matches in the autumn and I’ve been given a good role in the team.
“So, I understand Hammarby’s side. But there’s a lot of money involved and it will be exciting to see what happens.”
Hammarby sporting director Mikael Hjelmberg responded: “Has he (Tounekti) heard that? Well, I don’t know, actually.
“When I last spoke to Celtic, I said no thank you. I haven’t heard anything since then.”
Pressed on when the last contact came, he said: “Friday.”
Tounekti has scored three goals and set up five more this season, and he’s still one of Celtic’s top targets as deadline day winds down. The club are chasing several new attackers, and the 23-year-old Tunisia winger is seen as a good fit for Brendan Rodgers.
Hammarby don’t want to lose him during the season, which makes any deal tricky, but Tounekti’s recent comments might push things forward. With the Swedish deadline close, Celtic don’t have long to act.
Right now, it looks like only a much bigger offer and possibly a change of heart from Hammarby will get the move over the line.
