Johan Mjallby has indicated that Celtic should demand a hefty fee of around £30million if they decide to part ways with winger Nicolas Kuhn during the upcoming January transfer window.
This statement comes in light of growing interest from English Premier League clubs, notably Fulham and Brentford, who are reportedly keeping a close eye on the 24-year-old's impressive performances.
Kuhn has been nothing short of sensational for Celtic this season, contributing significantly to the team's success as they sit at the Scottish Premiership summit after 11 games.
Those signs of positive progression were evident during pre-season, with the German scoring a brace and providing an assist against Manchester City as he blew Pep Guardiola's men aside in a scintillating first half display.
With an admirable tally of 10 goals and 11 assists across all competitions, his immense contribution has not gone unnoticed, particularly his eye-catching display in the UEFA Champions League against RB Leipzig last Tuesday.
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As Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers aims for domestic supremacy once again while also pushing for advancement in Europe’s elite competition, it seems unlikely that he would willingly let go of one of his star players.
Nevertheless, reports from Sky Germany suggest that both Fulham and Brentford have already made inquiries regarding Kuhn's availability and are actively monitoring his situation as January approaches.
Mjallby, a former Celtic player and assistant coach, believes that a bid comparable to the £30m Brighton paid for midfielder Matt O'Riley this summer could prompt the Celtic hierarchy to reconsider their stance.
He emphasised the importance of Kuhn to the teams success, yet acknowledged that substantial offers could influence the boards decision-making process.
Mjallby told Premier Sports' The Scottish Football Social Club: “I’m pretty sure they will do everything to keep him. He is on fire and in a way he is like a new signing this summer.
"For the first six months it was stop-start for him, he had this tooth problem and didn’t really show what he is all about. But he is perfect for the way Brendan Rodgers wants his team to play as well.
"It’s not going to happen. Maybe if they come in with a ridiculous bid - we are talking about Matt O’Riley figures - but if it’s going to happen, it’s going to happen next summer.”
