Celtic aim to win race for 'top young player' Antoine Semenyo

Celtic are set to face stiff competition as they aim to sign Bristol City striker Antoine Semenyo, who journalist Pete O’Rourke has described as a ‘top young player’.

Ange Postecoglou used the January transfer window to bring in a host of reinforcements, but it appears he is already looking at where he could improve his side even further at the end of the season.

Celtic’s interest in Semenyo became clear when Bristol World revealed the Scottish Premiership title chasers’ scout Craig Strachan was sent to Ashton Gate to watch the frontman in action.

Semenyo certainly would have made an impression on Strachan after tapping home the opener as Nigel Pearson’s Bristol City recorded a 2-1 win over Queens Park Rangers earlier this month.

The 22-year-old has worked his way onto Celtic’s radar after also being a man in-demand during the January transfer window, with his current employers’ Championship rivals Bournemouth and Nottingham Forest pursuing Semenyo.

It appears the latter tested Bristol City’s resolve as they looked to boost their promotion bid, with BristolLive revealing they saw a proposal turned down by the Robins hours before last month’s deadline.

The report suggests it will take as much as £20million to tempt Bristol City into sanctioning Semenyo’s departure.

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O’Rourke understands Semenyo is sought-after thanks to impressing in the second tier of English football with Bristol City.

While the journalist believes Celtic are keen on attracting the striker north of the border, he expects them to face stiff competition from Premier League sides.

O’Rourke told GIVEMESPORT: “I’m sure Celtic and I know a number of English clubs are also keeping an eye on