Celtic's hopes of signing Randers striker Stephen Odey have been handed a big boost, with the latest reports suggesting that he would be open to a move to Parkhead this summer.

What's the word?

Celtic have been heavily linked with the Nigerian centre-forward in recent weeks, along with their Old Firm rivals, and it seems as if he would be keen on a move away from Denmark this summer as he looks to test himself at a bigger club.

When asked about the interest Celtic and their fierce rivals were showing in him, he said: "These are big clubs, and it is clear that this is something that I want to be open to."

With that in mind, it looks as though the Hoops have been handed a much-needed green light in their bid to sign him.

Supporters will be buzzing

Odey's form last season suggests that he would be an excellent addition to Ange Postecoglou's side this summer, as the Australian boss looks to build upon his title-winning side from last season, while also strengthening ahead of a campaign in the Champions League.

The 24-year-old forward hit 13 goals and two assists in 32 appearances for the Danish league side, improving upon recent steady campaigns with FC Zurich and Amiens SC.

It was always likely that Postecoglou would look to bring in another natural centre-forward this summer, as Albian Ajeti struggled for game time last season, which leaves Giorgos Giakoumakis as the only consistent senior central option at Celtic Park.

If Odey can be convinced to join this summer, then Celtic would arguably be rectifying a transfer mistake from the past, as they were linked with the young forward back in 2018 after an impressive season with Nigerian side Mountain of Fire, before he made the move to Switzerland with Zurich.

After his departure, Mountain of Fire manager Fidelis Ilechukwu said:

“Stephen Odey was exceptional when he was with us. He has moved on and I wish him the best. We need a good replacement who will be as deadly in front of goal as Odey was.”

Considering the number of goals Celtic scored last season and the number of chances they are likely to create again next season, especially with the quality they have in midfield and out wide, signing a 'deadly' striker such as Odey will only improve them further, and supporters will surely be delighted to hear that he is open to a move to Glasgow.

AND in other news, Celtic can land Jota 2.0 as Postecoglou eyes "extraordinary" £1.08m-rated trickster...