Middlesbrough FC handed big David Strelec transfer revelation involving Celtic | OneFootball

The father of David Strelec has confirmed that both Middlesbrough and Celtic are interested in the striker.

The father of Slovan Bratislava forward David Strelec has confirmed that Championship side Middlesbrough retain an interest in the player alongside Celtic.

Strelec has been a long-term target of Celtic's, with the Slovakian international attracting the interest of the Hoops and most recently Middlesbrough.

According to The Sun, Strelec's father, Milan Strelec, has confirmed that both Scottish club Celtic and Middlesbrough, among several other clubs, have registered interest in signing the 24-year-old.

Following Slovan Bratislava's elimination from the Champions League qualification phase to Kazakhstan side Kairat Almaty, the Slovakian side may be more inclined to strike a deal for Strelec, should an acceptable bid come their way.

Strelec has appeared for his country on 30 occasions so far, including every game they played at Euro 2024, and has spent his entire career with Slovan aside from an uninspiring two-year stint in Italy with Spezia and Reggina respectively.

David Strelec's father confirms both Middlesbrough and Celtic interest

Strelec's father has not been quiet about touting his son for a move, and name-dropped both Middlesbrough and Celtic when mentioning clubs who had bid for him in the past.

As per The Sun, Strelec's father, Milan, said: "When Slovan were trying to win through to the main stages of the Champions League again, the club's management would not consider David's transfer.

Or at least it was not high on their agenda.

"But now I presume things will start to happen before the August deadline. Things will start heating up around David again.

"As far as I know, several clubs are still interested, including Celtic and Middlesbrough, and we know both had bids for him in the past.

"So I am curious what will happen in the remaining few days before the deadline."

It is unclear as to what Slovan's asking price will be for Strelec following their exit from the Champions League, but with Middlesbrough having just finalised the sale of Rav van den Berg to German side Cologne for over £11m, manager Rob Edwards will have some legroom to work with in the transfer market.

David Strelec would bolster Middlesbrough's attacking options

It's no secret that Middlesbrough are looking to bolster their striking options this summer, as they attempt to ensure they have enough firepower to mount a serious promotion push this season.

Manager Edwards has an abundance of attacking talent within the squad to work with, including Morgan Whittaker, Tommy Conway, Finn Azaz, Delano Burgzorg and new signing Sontje Hansen.

Strelec can play either as a centre-forward or just in behind the striker and would fit seamlessly into Edwards' preferred 3-4-2-1 or 4-2-3-1 shape.

With just over two weeks to go until the window slams shut at 7pm on 1 September, Boro could yet add to their attacking options, with Strelec being a known and viable target, but will have to compete with Celtic to secure his signature at The Riverside.