Celtic now face a real battle from the English Premier League to secure the signature of KAS Eupen striker Henry Onyekuru.
The highly-coveted 19-year-old was watched by scouts from EPL trio Liverpool , Southampton and Bournemouth during the weekend Europa League play-off match against KV Kortrijk.
Onyekuru bagged his fifth goal in his last four games in the 3-3 draw, to take his season tally to 17 goals in 32 appearances, as the race hots up for the Nigerian.
(Photo: Getty)
The Hoops made a bid for the Eupen starlet in January and it’s believed he was keen on a move to the Premiership champions, but his club refused to sell, prompting Onyekuru to go AWOL for a few days.
The player recently confirmed he would be leaving the Jupiler League side at the end of the Belgian season and revealed he would announce where he will be plying his trade next, saying: “After the play-off, I will announce my decision.
“I have made my decision to leave. I have already agreed with Eupen that I am joining my new club after this season.
“I want to take the next step and play abroad. My ultimate aim is to one day play in the Premier League .
“There have been many enquiries for me. From clubs in Scotland, England and Germany.
“I am negotiations right now with clubs.
(Photo: Belga/PA Images)
“I believe I have had my best season, but I want to leave Eupen on a high and I would love to get as far up the table as possible before I leave.
“But it’s really been my first season in a major league and I know I still have a lot to learn.”
Fellow Belgian side Club Brugge, Borussia Monchengladbach and CSKA Moscow have also been linked with moves for the £6million-rated striker.