Allsvenkan star’s Celtic interest is “legitimate” as scouts examine him closely.

Celtic were linked with a move for Nathaniel Adjei two weeks ago, and another source has now confirmed the initial Sky Sports report.

Given that Rangers and several English clubs were also mentioned as being interested, it was difficult to know how seriously to take the initial report on Celtic and Adjei. That could indicate that a reported transfer link isn’t worth much.

The news that Celtic was interested in central defenders was also unexpected, considering how many players the team currently has on its roster.

However, according to Football Scotland, Celtic’s interest is ‘legitimate’ in the sense that Bhoys scouts have been keeping a close eye on his progress in the Swedish top flight.

Adjei plays for Hammarby and appeared in 21 Allsvenkan games in 2023, helping his club finish seventh in the able. Now that the season is over, he appears to be attracting serious transfer interest in January.

Celtic require high-quality transfer additions.

Celtic are expected to be busy in the winter window following a disappointing summer period. Brendan Rodgers has called for a quality injection into his Bhoys squad, with players ready to play regularly for the Scottish champions.

Adjei, who is still only 21, lacks the proven quality of a player in one of Europe’s top leagues, but he has been playing regularly.

Celtic may need attacking talent more than ever, with injuries limiting Rodgers’ options and the Asian Cup set to take away several of the Bhoys’ first-choice options.

Diverting resources to acquire Adjei would still raise eyebrows in that context. However, if the finances are in place and other teams are interested, Celtic may believe it is an opportunity too good to pass up.

In other news, Celtic have a 20-year-old youngster who should be playing more often, according to John Hartson.