Mathias Kvistgaarden mystery sends Celtic transfer sleuths into overdrive as Brondby boss names 'dream' scenario

Mathias Kvistgaarden has put transfer detectives on high alert after he was a surprise absentee for their win over FC Fredericia amid links with Celtic.

The Danish striker has been subject to firm interest from Parkhead in recent months and it's believed an offer worth more than £4m was rejected in the summer. But Brondby appear to have been unmoved with the club in the midst of Danish title fight - with director of football Carsten V. Jensen declaring that they will not sell the 21-year-old in the January window. However, fans have pushed the panic button after he failed to turn out in the convincing 9-0 friendly victory.

One punter was quick to ask: "Why no Kvistgaarden? A transfer?" Another joined them on X asking: "Is Kvistgaarden injured, or is he leaving?" Another bluntly rounded off: "I guess Kvistgaarden is leaving." It remains unclear if the Danes have walked back their hardline stance with Schalke reportedly keep tabs on the situation.

Brendan Rodgers has had a new striker high up on his wish list this month despite Kyogo staying around during the Asia Cup. But so far Nicolas Kuhn has been the only new arrival to come in the door at Celtic Park.

Boss Jesper Sorenson said after full-time he was keen to keep the core of his side together as he failed to address the absence of his in-demand frontman. He told Danish outlet Campo: "I dream of keeping the squad together.

"I've only been here a year and eight new players have joined in a year. And before that there were also five new players in the window, just as we have brought up young players. So it's about getting the squad and the team to settle down."

Pressed on if his wish was for no more business this month, Sorensen said: "We have a strong squad, and