'Definitely' - Celtic face big setback over £20m rising star

Bristol City striker Antoine Semenyo is ‘definitely’ out of Celtic’s price bracket at this moment in time, according to journalist Pete O’Rourke.

The highly-rated 22-year-old has been heavily linked with a move away from Ashton Gate in recent months following some extremely promising performances for his boyhood club.

According to Bristol World, Craig Strachan, son of former Celtic boss Gordon, was sent on a scouting mission to assess Semenyo’s qualities in their 2-1 victory over Reading last month.

And Bristol Live claim that contract talks with the in-form striker have now begun in an attempt to fend off interest from potential suitors but also to reward him for his outstanding form since December.

It’s believed that Championship rivals Nottingham Forest saw a deadline day approach for Semenyo turned down after they failed to match Bristol’s £20 million asking price.

Robins manager Nigel Pearson then issued a ‘hands off’ warning to any side with aspirations of prising the prolific marksman away from the club, stating it will cost ‘an awful lot of dough’ to secure his signature.

Arsenal seal DRAMATIC win over Wolves! Full reaction on The Football Terrace…

“We’re very glad we have him, and if somebody else wants him, he’s going to cost them an awful lot of dough, so keep your hands off,” he said.

Semenyo’s existing deal is set to expire in the summer of 2023, although it includes an option to extend it by 12 months, meaning Bristol are in a strong negotiating position.

The versatile star had to wait until 4 December to make his first start of the season after a persistent knee problem required surgery.

But since making his return to action, Semenyo has registered six goals and seven assists in his last 14 Championship