Celtic could be at risk of missing out on securing a deal for their reported summer transfer target Mohanad Jeahze.
What's the news?
According to Sport Expressen (via Fotboll Direkt), French club Troyes have scouted the Hammarby full-back despite Celtic's reported interest in signing the defender.
Back in April, it was reported that the Hoops were looking to secure a £2m deal for the left-back as Ange Postecoglou wants to bolster his defensive ranks.
Now that some weeks have passed, the Parkhead club could see their chances of signing the Iraq international take a blow as a result of this behind-the-scenes development.
The 25-year-old joined Hammarby back in the 2020 summer transfer window from fellow Swedish side Mjallby AIF.
Since then, the full-back has made 62 appearances for his current side across all competitions.
In those appearances, Jeahze has scored three goals and delivered 13 assists along the way, highlighting the attacking talent he has from the defence.
Bad news for Celtic
With nine league appearances under his belt this season, the left-back has provided more crosses (46) and made more interceptions (19) than any of his current teammates as well as winning 13 tackles, proving his defensive prowess as well.
This shows how much of a disappointment it would be if the Bhoys were to miss out on signing the defender.
Taking into account how current Celtic left-back Boli Bolingoli has barely been involved with the Hoops throughout this latest season and has been away on his own in Belgium, this highlights the club's need to add a player like Jeahze to their ranks.
If the French club are looking to make a swoop to sign the Hammarby figure, Celtic will have to spring into action if they want to be the ones to secure his signature this summer.
As reigning SPFL champions and participants for the next round of the Champions League, it shouldn't be too hard for the Hoops to convince Jeahze to make a move to Parkhead.
Then with Troyes finishing only three places ahead of the relegation zone in Ligue 1, it would be safe to suggest that the Hammarby defender would have more of a chance of winning some silverware at Celtic rather than with the French club.
Either way, the news they now have competition for hi signature is simply awful news for Celtic's recruitment team.