Leeds United surprised by Celtic’s approach for a loan move for Joel Piroe | OneFootball

Leeds United were surprised that Celtic enquired about signing striker Joel Piroe on loan last week, according to Sky Sports.

Celtic manager Martin O’Neill is looking to bolster his attack, and the club approached Leeds over a temporary deal to bring Piroe to Parkhead.

However, Leeds were not open to a loan deal as chairman Paraag Marathe is also the vice-chair of Rangers.

The Leeds chief would not be open to sanctioning a loan move that would boost Celtic’s chances of winning the Scottish Premiership title, as Rangers are also challenging.

Celtic are second in the table after 22 league games, with six points between them and leaders Hearts, and only a superior goal difference puts them ahead of third-place Rangers.

Loaning Piroe would also do little to help Leeds’ financial position, and the club insist he wants to stay and fight for his future.

Celtic will have to look elsewhere and remain interested in Chelsea striker David Datro Fofana.

The Hoops have also been linked with Basel attacker Philip Otele, but a move to bring Birmingham City striker Kyogo Furuhashi back to Parkhead has been dismissed by O’Neill.

They are desperate to retain the title after some woeful performances under Brendan Rodgers and Wilfried Nancy, but they face stiff competition from Hearts and Rangers.

Celtic will have to add more top players to their squad before the end of the winter transfer window to boost their chances.

They have already signed Mexican full-back Julian Araujo on loan from Bournemouth.