Celtic 'target' £20m Chelsea star as Rodgers hints at new deal for key man – Parkhead transfer bulletin

Celtic are rumoured to be eyeing a move for misfit Chelsea attacker Carney Chukwuemeka next month.

The Hoops aren't exactly in need of reinforcements but have made the most of January deals in recent seasons with much of their current best XI, including Alistair Johnston and Nicolas Kuhn, recruited in the winter window. Recent reports have suggested they will go out to do business again, with a new striker and left-winger seemingly on the agenda.

Chukwuekmeka is capable of filling one of those gaps having played off the flanks in the past and Football Insider say the Hoops are weighing up whether a deal would be possible next month. The 21-year-old cost Chelsea £20m to sign from Aston Villa in the summer of 2022 but has struggled for minutes with just 31 appearances, all of which have been off the bench. He doesn't appear to have a part in Enzo Maresca's immediate plans and a loan deal, possibly with a summer purchase option, doesn't look outwith the realms of possibility.

But it would depend on how much of his £5.2m annual salary, which breaks down at around £100,000 per week, Chelsea would be prepared to cover. Chukwuemeka, eligible for Nigeria but currently a U21 international with England, can play in the no.6 or 8 positions or off either flank.

Closer to home, Brendan Rodgers has backed Kasper Schmeichel to extend his top level career beyond next summer and is hopeful he will do so with Celtic. The Danish international goalkeeper has been outstanding for the Scottish champions since joining in the summer as a replacement for Joe Hart.

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