Celtic have reportedly thrown their hat in the ring in the battle to land Marseille forward Bamba Dieng, with the Senegal international having been cast out at the Stade Velodrome.

What's the word?

According to the Daily Mail, the Scottish champions - as well as a host of Premier League clubs - are interested in signing the 22-year-old this summer, with the youngster set for pastures new after having been frozen out by new boss Igor Tudor.

A further report from 90min has also credited the Old Firm giants with an interest in the 11-cap menace, with the suggestion being that he could cost in the region of £15m, a fee that would surely be out of the reach of the Hoops.

The Glasgow side will face strong competition for his signature, however, with Newcastle United set to be "ready to push ahead" with a move for the highly-rated speedster.

Explosive duo

Despite the wealth of attacking options at Ange Postecoglou's disposal at Parkhead, the 56-year-old would seemingly jump at the chance to sign such an exciting talent, particularly due to his versatility to feature anywhere across the front line.

The £9m-rated starlet has caught the attention of clubs across Europe following his sparkling form in France of late, the 5 foot 10 ace netting eight goals and providing three assists in all competitions last term for the Ligue 1 outfit, in what was a real breakthrough campaign.

Labelled as the "new Sadio Mane" in his homeland - as per journalist Graeme Bailey - the dynamic forward has dazzled with his direct and courageous displays, with such an asset likely to be well received at Celtic Park.

Having already proven himself in a more prestigious league, there should be no real concerns about whether the youngster will be able to adapt to life in the Scottish Premiership, while his capture would only help to enhance the club's chances of Champions League progression.

Equally, the "explosive" forward - as dubbed by former boss Jorge Sampaoli - could well form a menacing attacking partnership with current Hoops talisman, Jota, with the Portuguese ace currently the major threat in Postecoglou's side.

Last season saw the former Benfica man lead the way in terms of assists among his teammates, while he also ranked fourth in the scoring charts for the Glasgow outfit, proving himself an elite goal-getter and provider.

The 23-year-old has already caught fire in the opening weeks of the current campaign, having netted a stunner in the opening day victory over Aberdeen, before registering a hat-trick of assists in the 3-1 triumph over Ross County last weekend.

The majestic wideman can't do it alone, however, with the addition of Dieng likely to help shoulder the attacking burden. Putting the pair together in attack is likely to lead to some explosive fireworks this season.