Celtic are hoping a whopping 50 per cent sell-on clause will help them win the fight for South Korea star Cho Gue-sung.
The Hoops have been holding talks with Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors in London as they attempt to strike a £3million deal for the striker. Celtic have offered to give Jeonbuk half of any future transfer fee to try to scupper a higher bid from Minnesota United, who have bid a fee nearer to £5million but with a smaller sell-on.
Celtic also have a proven record of selling on top talent to top European clubs and leagues and have also accrued nearly £10m in sell-ons of their own over the past five years. German side Mainz are also interested but they are at the same level in terms of transfer fee as Celtic. Gue-sung had stated his preference is to move to Europe and Celtic hope that will also swing them the deal. The Scottish champions are also likely to finance the move by selling wantaway striker Giorgos Giakoumakis.
Talks over a new deal have stalled and the Greek international looks set for the Parkhead exit door. As Record Sport revealed yesterday, Japanese side Urawa Red Diamonds have put a double-your-money offer on the table and are pushing to land him in an initial £4million deal.
Italian side Sampdoria are also keen but that is a loan with an option to buy if they remain in Serie A. There is also interest in Giakoumakis from Major League Soccer, Scandinavia and Russia.
Celtic are also waiting to see if Manchester United will firm up their interest in Josip Juranovic. The Croatia star, who helped his country to finish at the World Cup finals, is on a list of United’s January targets. United have interest in their right-back Aaron Wan-Bissaka and any move for Juranovic would be subject to him moving on this month.
Former club Crystal Palace and Wolves have both been linked with moves for Wan-Bissaka. Juranovic, who was linked with Chelsea last month, is also on the radar of other English Premier League clubs.
Celtic signed Juranovic from Legia Warsaw in a bargain £2.5 million move in August 2021. The 27-year-old has been one of the top performers and the Hoops know they are in a strong position with European interest as well.
Italian side Monza and Spanish outfit Espanyol both want to sign Juranovic on-loan with a view to a permanent deal at the end of the season. Roma were again linked in the Italian press but that move there looks extremely unlikely. Celtic are also aware that they could be in a stronger position in the summer when the majority of big fees are paid out.
Meanwhile, Celtic are also willing to listen to offers for Stephen Welsh. The young defender has come through the ranks but has fallen down the pecking order under Ange Postecoglou.
Welsh is keen for more regular first-team football and Celtic won’t stand in his way. It remains to be seen if that will be a loan deal or a permanent departure for the 22-year-old who has interest in England and Europe.
READ NEXT:
