Moi Elyounoussi in smirking Celtic transfer tease as Brendan Rodgers charm offensive launched by free agent

Grinning Moi Elyounoussi has opened the door to a Celtic return as he talked up the arrival of Brendan Rodgers.

The 28-year-old will become a free agent at the end of the month as he nears the end of his Southampton contract following their relegation from the English Premier League, but the Norwegian is still fondly remembered from his two seasons at Celtic Park when he impressed under Neil Lennon and John Kennedy. Despite his form, and lifting a Treble during his time at Celtic, the Scottish champions were unable to negotiate at permanent return with the Saints at that time.

The circumstances are different now though and as he weighs up his next move he has talked up soon-to-be Parkhead boss Rodgers - who is a known admirer after attempting to sign him last summer for Leicester City. Speaking to Viaplay Sports he was asked if he thought it was a good move for Rodgers to return to Celtic. Elyounoussi responded: "Yeah, I just know him from playing against him.

"From what I've heard, he's an excellent manager and is loved by the fans up there. It's a massive pull for the club and probably for him too, so it's a good link up I think."

He was then put on the spot about his own future - and asked if he would consider a return to Celtic. The forward smirked: "We'll see.

"I enjoyed my time there. I didn't get much time to play with the fans, it was mostly without fans. I enjoyed my time there and you never know."

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