Celtic are reportedly preparing an ambitious move for a highly-rated attacking star — but their latest transfer pursuit comes with an intriguing Old Firm twist.

 

The Hoops are believed to have revived their interest in a player who has already attracted serious attention from both sides of Glasgow.

 

The winger was previously the subject of a significant approach from Rangers, but a move to Ibrox failed to materialise.

 

Now, Celtic could be ready to make their move.

 

And if the transfer eventually goes through, it would represent a major coup for the Scottish giants given the level of competition for his signature.

 

The player in question has enjoyed a remarkable rise over the past year, helping his current club achieve promotion while establishing himself as one of the most exciting attacking players in the division.

 

His performances have inevitably attracted attention from elsewhere, and Celtic are understood to be among the clubs monitoring his situation closely.

 

But there is a fascinating backstory to this potential move.

 

Rangers tried first

 

Before Celtic’s latest interest emerged, Rangers had already made their intentions clear.

 

The Ibrox side reportedly submitted a substantial offer for the attacker, but the bid was rejected by his club.

 

That rejection has now left the door open for Celtic to potentially enter the race.

 

And given the fierce rivalry between the two Glasgow clubs, the prospect of Celtic signing a player Rangers previously wanted is certain to add an extra layer of intrigue to the transfer saga.

 

The player’s identity?

 

Fares Ghedjemis.

 

The Algerian winger has become one of the more talked-about attacking players in the Italian second tier following an impressive campaign with Frosinone.

 

Celtic’s previous attempt

 

Celtic’s interest in Ghedjemis is not new.

 

The Parkhead club previously explored a deal for the winger during the January transfer window, with reports suggesting they were prepared to pay around £6.5 million for his services.

 

At one stage, a move appeared increasingly likely.

 

But the transfer ultimately collapsed.

 

Rather than moving to Scotland, Ghedjemis opted to remain with Frosinone and help them pursue promotion.

 

It was a decision that would eventually pay off.

 

Frosinone achieved their objective, while Ghedjemis produced an impressive individual campaign, scoring 15 goals and registering three assists across 37 Serie B appearances.

 

His stock subsequently soared.

 

And so did his asking price.

 

The price has changed dramatically

 

Frosinone are now reportedly demanding somewhere in the region of €15 million to €20 million for their prized winger.

 

That represents a huge increase compared with the figures being discussed when Celtic first attempted to sign him.

 

Rangers reportedly tested the waters with an offer of around €10 million, only for Frosinone to reject it.

 

Celtic have also been linked with an offer worth approximately €7 million.

 

Neither figure was enough.

 

That could force Celtic to decide whether they are prepared to significantly increase their offer.

 

Why Celtic still want him

 

The attraction is obvious.

 

Ghedjemis is a dynamic, left-footed winger who can operate from the right side and cause problems by cutting inside onto his stronger foot.

 

His pace, directness and ability to create opportunities make him an attractive option for a Celtic side looking to strengthen its attacking options.

 

The potential arrival of Champions League football could also give Celtic greater financial freedom in the transfer market.

 

That could be crucial.

 

Because Frosinone now have little reason to sell cheaply.

 

The player helped them return to Serie A, and his performances have increased his market value considerably.

 

Celtic therefore have a choice to make.

 

Do they walk away because of the increased asking price?

 

Or do they finally make the kind of offer capable of convincing Frosinone to sell?

 

A transfer battle Celtic fans will be watching closely

 

For supporters, this is one of those transfer stories that refuses to disappear.

 

Celtic wanted the player.

 

He stayed in Italy.

 

Rangers then entered the race.

 

Their approach was rejected.

 

And now Celtic’s interest appears to have resurfaced.

 

If the Hoops decide to go all-in, they could potentially snatch a player who was previously wanted by their biggest rivals.

 

For now, though, there is no agreement in place.

 

Frosinone remain in control of the situation and appear determined to extract a substantial fee.

 

But with the transfer window approaching its climax, Celtic could yet make one final push.

 

And if they do, the player who once found himself at the centre of Rangers’ transfer plans could soon be heading to Parkhead instead.