Celtic could 'resurrect' move for £8.5m 'big talent' at Parkhead

Celtic could look to revive their interest in Schalke defender Malick Thiaw this summer, according to journalist Pete O’Rourke.

The talented 20-year-old has been on the Hoops’ radar for some time now and is expected to depart the Veltins-Arena as his current club look to raise funds to improve the rest of their squad.

Back in June, Italian outlet CalcioMercato reported that Celtic were ‘in talks’ with Thiaw ahead of a potential switch to Parkhead amid interest from new Serie A champions AC Milan.

Christopher Jullien was close to moving in the opposite direction after falling down the pecking order under manager Ange Postecoglou until his transfer to Schalke collapsed at the last minute.

Instead, the newly-promoted Bundesliga side signed former Southampton ace Maya Yoshida, meaning they now have seven centre-backs on their books, a figure sporting director Rouven Schroder admitted was too high.

“We have a few players in that position. It is clear that there will be movement on the transfer side,” said Schroder in an interview with RUHR24.

“I think Malick suits us very well in the Bundesliga, but we have always said that we deal with offers that come in. If the overall theme fits, we will also think about it.”

It’s believed that Schalke are set to demand €10 million (£8.5m) for Thiaw’s services, and O’Rourke believes he could still be a player of interest to Celtic if someone departs the club.

He told GiveMeSport: “He was a target earlier this summer when Celtic were looking for central defensive reinforcements.

“They’ve obviously brought in (Moritz) Jenz from France on loan, so maybe that lead is now not required to bring in a new centre-back.

“But I’m sure Celtic will be monitoring the situation, and if players were to