Sources: Issa Doumbia to Celtic update revealed

Celtic have fallen behind in the race to sign Venezia star Issa Doumbia as Premier League and Serie A clubs eye a move for his services.

Doumbia was linked to Celtic ahead of the January window, but they decided against pursuing his signature.

The Italy under-21 international star has since gone from strength to strength at promoted Serie B club Venezia, who are now set to demand a sizeable fee for his services.

As I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Transfer Insider podcast, Celtic could now miss out on signing Doumbia due to the widespread interest in him ahead of the summer.

It remains to be seen if he will now be a part of Celtic’s transfer plans, as they are set to bolster their options in the middle of the park with several potential exits on the horizon.

Premier League clubs ahead of Celtic in Issa Doumbia race

Doumbia registered an assist in Venezia’s 2-2 draw against Spezia on Friday afternoon as they clinched promotion back to the Italian top flight.

His impressive form has seen various top clubs across Europe keep tabs on his availability, with the Venetians set to demand around £12million for his services this summer.

Speaking on the Transfer Insider podcast, I explained: “I think there’ll be a lot of competition for his signature if he does end up leaving Venezia this summer.

“There’s interest from some Premier League clubs in England, and I would imagine there’ll be a lot of interest from Serie A clubs willing to take him from Venezia as well.

“It seems like Celtic might have missed out on this one due to the price tag and also the competition for Doumbia’s signature.”

Celtic want Thomas Frank to be their next manager after Martin O’Neill

Celtic’s transfer plans will be on hold for now as they aim for title glory under O’Neill before he leaves the club this summer.

They have been linked with several out-of-work bosses over the last few months, with sources revealing to Football Insider that Celtic want Thomas Frank to succeed O’Neill.

He is yet to take another job in management since being sacked by Tottenham in February after less than eight months in charge.

Other top contenders for the role include Robbie Keane, Roberto Martinez and Jens Berthel Askou.

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