Celtic Want to Sign Croatian Forward Loved by Robbie Keane, £2.5m Bid Lined Up

Celtic are actively pursuing NK Celje striker Franko Kovacevic, the Croatian forward reportedly admired by Robbie Keane, as they aim to strengthen manager Martin O'Neill's squad during the January transfer window.[3][1]

The 24-year-old [1][2] has been in sensational form this season, scoring 25 goals in 28 appearances overall, including 11 in 14 Slovenian Prva Liga games and two assists. His European exploits are equally impressive: five goals in the UEFA Conference League group stage, three in qualifiers, and four in Europa League qualifiers.[1][2] Celtic scouts have closely monitored his performances, valuing him at around £2.5 million. The club has made initial contact with NK Celje to discuss potential deal terms, though the Slovenian side is reluctant to lose their star.[1][3]

This move comes amid Celtic's desperate need for attacking reinforcements. Current forwards like Johnny Kenny and Shin Yamada have struggled, Daizen Maeda has lost form, and injuries to Kelechi Iheanacho and Callum Osmand have depleted options. A striker is O'Neill's top priority, with only right-back Julian Araujo arriving on loan so far. O'Neill remains optimistic, stating the Hoops are "relatively close" to new signings despite being halfway through January.[4]

Competition is fierce: Ferencvaros have tabled an offer, while Ujpest and Levski Sofia are monitoring. Other Celtic targets include David Datro Fofana (Chelsea), Mohamed Bamba (FC Lorient), and Andrej Ilic (Union Berlin), though links to Ilic have been downplayed.[2][5] With growing European interest, Celtic must act swiftly to secure Kovacevic, whose prolific scoring could transform their attack in the Scottish Premiership title race, where they sit third ahead of a midweek clash with Falkirk.[4]

Journalist Mark Hendry first broke the story, highlighting Celtic's proactive approach in a market where hesitation could prove costly.[1][6]