Celtic are interested in a deal to bring Ahmed Kendouci to Parkhead in the January transfer window.

What's the talk?

That's according to a number of reports from Algeria (via The Scottish Sun), which claim that Ange Postecoglou is keeping a very close eye on the situation of the ES Setif central midfielder ahead of a potential move in the winter market.

The report goes on to state that Celtic have even contacted the former Rangers centre-back Madjid Bougherra, who is now a coach at the Algerian side, for information on the 22-year-old, while the Bhoys' interest has led to the ES Setif manager, Nabil Kouki, to speak out regarding the sale of the one-time capped Algeria international.

Kouki said: "Last season, we missed out on the title because we sold important players in the transfer window. I very much hope and expect that it won't happen this time. The board of this club must make a statement that we should keep our best players and indeed, strengthen the squad. So I very much hope Ahmed Kendouci remains with the club despite the recent speculation."

Postecoglou can axe Soro

Considering the fact that it has recently been reported that Ismaila Soro will be allowed to leave Parkhead in the January transfer window, with New York Red Bulls believed to be interested in a move for the central midfielder, Celtic's potential swoop for Kendouci could well prove to be the final nail in the coffin for the 23-year-old.

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Indeed, since Postecoglou's arrival in Glasgow last summer, the £810k-rated man has started just six games in all competitions for the Hoops - making a further 11 appearances from the bench - with only six of these 17 fixtures coming in the Premiership.

And, considering how poor the £12.5k-a-week midfielder who Ori Guttman dubbed an "explosive" player has been over these league outings, it is hardly surprising that Celtic are willing to sanction his departure this month. The Ivorian is averaging an extremely disappointing SofaScore match rating of 6.63 - ranking him as Postecoglou's sixth-worst performer in the top flight of Scottish football.

As such, it would indeed appear wise for the 56-year-old Bhoys boss to finally call time on Soro's Celtic career, and subsequently reinvest the money received from his transfer into a £1m swoop for a player who the Greek-Australian coach is clearly a fan of in the shape of Kendouci.

In other news: Forget McGree: Celtic must now move for "perfect" Jan signing, he'd be a huge upgrade