Scouts sent: Celtic plotting move for 'fearsome' international midfielder; he's keen to move

Celtic are reportedly readying a scouting mission to watch Maccabi Haifa midfielder Mohammad Abu Fani, according to Israeli outlet Sport 5.

So far, Abu Fani has spent his entire professional career in his homeland, only spending time away from Maccabi Haifa out on loan at Hapoel Hadera and Hapoel Ramat Gan Givatayim in two separate spells.

Overall, the 24-year-old has made 178 senior outings, 99 of which have been for Haifa, contributing directly to 28 goals in that time.

Now as Hoops’ boss Ange Postecoglou starts to plan for the summer transfer window, a move to Glasgow could be on the horizon…

As per Sport 5, Celtic will send scouts to watch Israel face Iceland and Albania in the UEFA Nations League.

It’s claimed both the Hoops and Belgian top-flight outfit Standard Liege want to ‘track’ Abu Fani, who has been ‘gaining interest’ for his performances for both club and country.

The report also states that the 13-cap international ace – described as ‘lively, mobile and technical’ with a ‘fearsome’ long-range shot by football analyst Julien San James – has ‘ambitions’ to play elsewhere in Europe.

Following the departure of Nir Bitton, Postecoglou certainly needs to add a central midfielder to the ranks and a compatriot of the ex-Bhoys favourite could be the ideal candidate.

During 2021/22, Abu Fani scored six times and provided another six assists in 44 appearances across all competitions, gaining European experience in the Europa Conference League in the process.

Predominantly operating as an attack-minded midfielder last term, the Israeli star is equally adept in a deeper-lying role and would therefore add a welcome versatility to the Lennoxtown ranks should he follow in the footsteps of Bitton, Beram Kayal, Liel Abada,