Middlesbrough lead race for Celtic target Kelechi Iheanacho | OneFootball

Middlesbrough are leading the race for Kelechi Iheanacho, with Brendan Rodgers’s Celtic struggling to find an agreement for the striker.

That is according to Sky Sports, which has claimed that both Celtic and Middlesbrough are on the hunt for a new striker before the transfer window closes next Monday.

While Celtic, who could lose Daniel Cummings to West Ham United, are looking for a replacement for Japan international forward Kyogo Furuhashi following his departure to Rennes for £10 million, Middlesbrough are keen on a striker with Emmaneul Latte Lath closing in on a move to Major League Soccer club Atlanta United for £22 million.

According to Sky Sports, Celtic have held talks with Sevilla over a possible loan deal for Iheanacho with an option to make it permanent at the end of the season.

There is no agreement between the two clubs and discussions have reportedly “not developed further today”.

It has been further reported that Middlesbrough are now leading the race for the Nigeria international striker.

View: Middlesbrough and Celtic should not sign Kelechi Iheanacho

Despite their urgent need for a striker, Middlesbrough or Celtic should not sign Iheanacho so late in the transfer window.

The Nigeria international striker has been in dire form this season. The 28-year-old has scored three goals in 11 matches in all competitions.

Iheanacho has made nine appearances in La Liga for Sevilla this season. He has not scored or provided an assist in those matches.

During the 2023-24 season for Leicester City, the striker scored six goals and gave three assists in 26 appearances.

In 310 matches in all competitions so far in his career, Iheanacho has scored only 90 goals. He has given 45 assists in those matches, according to Transfermarkt.

It is hard to see Iheanacho score too many goals at Middlesbrough or Celtic and the two clubs should avoid signing him.