Scottish champions Celtic are seemingly eyeing a move for Al Ahly playmaker, Afsha, with manager Ange Postecoglou seemingly keen to continue his winter recruitment drive.

What's the word?

According to Sky Sports reporter Anthony Joseph, the Parkhead outfit are believed to have engaged in talks with the 26-year-old's representatives regarding a potential January deal, with the Hoops having already secured the signings of Yuki Kobayashi and Alistair Johnston ahead of the winter window.

The journalist revealed on Twitter: "Celtic have expressed an interest in Al-Ahly attacking midfielder Mohamed Magdy – more commonly known as Afsha. It’s understood the Hoops have held discussions with the Egypt international’s representatives, who are exploring his options."

This follows a report from Football Scotland's Mark Hendry who also revealed that there had been "contact" regarding a move for the Egyptian midfielder, with the player having also reportedly been a target for the Old Firm giants back in the summer of 2021.

'Best player'

Turning to Afsha - whose full name is Mohamed Magdy - could well provide an extra creative element for Postecoglou's side, with the 20-cap gem having showcased his talents amid his sparkling form in his homeland to date.

The 5 foot 6 dynamo - who is said to be valued at just over £4m - has scored 29 goals and 32 assists in 146 games in all competitions for his current side thus far, while his total club career tally stands at 98 goal contributions in 257 appearances across all fronts.

The diminutive maestro has started the new campaign impressively with two assists in his four league outings, having been particularly impressive last term with ten goals and five assists in 42 games for the Cairo outfit.

Such form even saw him lauded as the "best player in Egypt" back in January 2021 by former boss Ante Cacic, having notably ended the 2020/21 campaign with 25 goal involvements across all fronts.

A player for the big occasion, the Giza-born gem has also twice been named Man of the Match in the CAF Champions League final - in both 2020 and 2021 - having also previously clinched the competition's goal of the season award in consecutive seasons, facts that only back up the aforementioned praise from Cacic.

Adding the fleet-footed magician into Postecoglou's ranks would no doubt provide a further boost heading into the second half of the campaign, with the title-winning coach hoping to see a repeat of the impact of this year's January arrivals, such as Reo Hatate and Matt O'Riley - the two men having put in an "enormous shift" of late, according to their manager (BBC Scotland, 12/11/2022).

To have a further creative presence to add into the mix alongside that pair could well prove a truly exciting prospect as far as the Bhoys are concerned, with the rest of the Scottish Premiership no doubt concerned to see the rampant league leaders already strengthening so efficiently.