Camilo Duran is reportedly a transfer target for Celtic. The Colombian striker caught the eye with his Champions League exploits for Azerbaijani side Qarabag last season, netting against Benfica, Ajax, Eintracht Frankfurt, and Newcastle.
Celtic's Striker Search
Martin O'Neill is on the hunt for two new frontmen after relying heavily on Daizen Maeda during last season's dramatic title run-in, with Kelechi Iheanacho making cameos off the bench. The Nigerian is out of contract, and now the Scottish Sun reports that Qarabag hitman Duran is on the Parkhead club's radar.
The 24-year-old bagged 15 goals for the Azerbaijani outfit last term. But it was his exploits in the Champions League that really caught the eye, scoring against top European sides. That will have pricked up Celtic ears as they face a playoff round to reach the league phase and bank the £35 million prize pot. Progression on the continent is a priority, and a regular poacher at that level could make all the difference.
Duran's Background
Duran spent the previous three years in Portugal before a £200,000 switch to Qarabag from Portimonense last summer. They are understood to be asking for a club record fee of ten times that to let their main man depart. Duran has represented Colombia at youth level and was tipped for a World Cup call-up before missing out on a place in Los Cafeteros' squad.
O'Neill has admitted he won't stand in Maeda's way if a big move presents itself, and while Celtic have cash in the bank, any fee for the Japanese star would likely more than fund a swoop for Duran. Arne Engels is another who could bring in serious money, with Crystal Palace joining Nottingham Forest in their admiration for the Belgian.
