Sydney van Hooijdonk 'destined' for Celtic transfer after scouting mission as unseen Ange factor could give final push

Out of favour Bologna striker Sydney van Hooijdonk is "destined" to make a move to Celtic in January, according to a report in Italy.

The son of former Hoops' hero Pierre was touted with a move to the Scottish Premiership champions last summer but Thiago Motta closed the exit door for the 23-year-old as he was offered a chance to impress his boss in Serie A. However, he has struggled for regular game time netting just one goal in his nine appearance this term - which have mostly come off the bench.

Brendan Rodgers are in dire need of attacking reinforcements when the January window opens - with Yang and Oh Hyeon-gyu heading off for the Asian Cup with South Korea while Daizen Maeda and Kyogo Furuhashi likely to follow when the Japan squad is announced. Reports in Italy had previously claimed that Celtic chiefs had made "initial" inquiries over Van Hooijdonk's availability.

And Corriere di Bologna now claim that the striker is "destined" to leave in January with Celtic's eyes "falling" on the Dutchman. Bologna are said to open to a deal if they can find a replacement with Hoops scouts said to have watched the player this term.

That could require a favour from former Parkhead boss Ange Postecoglou. Several reports in England say that the Tottenham manager is open to moving on Alejo Veliz on loan - with Bologna registering an interest. That could be the domino that falls to set a Van Hooijdonk arrival at Bologna in motion.