Celtic were linked with Bristol City’s Niclas Eliasson in January, per The Sunday Mail (26/01 print edition, back page) - via Daily Record.

And though the Bhoys didn't manage to sign him in the winter window, a recent report from Bristol Live suggests that they have received a boost in their pursuit of the Championship wing wizard.

What’s the word? 

The Robins have been forced to offload a handful of their star players in recent years, such as Joe Bryan and Bobby Reid, and Eliasson could be the next talent to be picked off the conveyor belt at Ashton Gate.

Bristol Live understand that the winger, who has an eye-watering 12 assists in all competitions so far this season, is not willing to sign a new long term deal with the club. 

Eliasson is understood to be likely to leave the Championship outfit should they fail to clinch promotion to the Premier League, thus paving the way for Celtic and other interested parties the chance to swoop in.

Worthwhile pursuit

Neil Lennon may well have been experimenting with a three-at-the-back system in recent weeks but that should not deter the club from signing quality wide players.

After all, it’s wise for any top side to have multiple weapons in the armoury and with both quality wide players and full-backs at his disposal Lennon would possess that in abundance.

The 24-year-old winger has stepped up a level this season and already surpassed his assist tally of six from last season, suggesting that he is beginning to blossom into an attacking presence of penetrative quality. 

While discussing his contract situation earlier this year, Bristol City boss Lee Johnson lauded his tangible improvement but suggested this is just the beginning for the flourishing wide man.

“Tactically, he's improved dramatically. He's always had that USP of the amazing delivery but now he's starting to get into better areas in terms of goalscoring and upgrading crosses.

"He's not the finished article but when Niclas Eliasson is 27 he's going to be amazing. But that's where we are. Probably, at 27, unless we're in the Premier League, there's a good chance he won't be here.

"We have to polish the diamond into a top one and I think he can be."

If he continues to improve at the perpetual rate he’s showcased this season, Eliasson could well become a top player by the time he turns 27 in 2022 and, with the ability to thrive on both the left and right wing, he could be a shrewd long term replacement for Scott Sinclair at Paradise.

Celtic appear to have their crosshairs in exactly the right place.

Now they simply need to wait and hope that the Robins’ promotion push dissipates during the final months of the season.

In other news, some Celtic fans believe 24-year-old is the club's most underrated player...