Liel Abada had admiring glances in January - but it's been suggested that Southampton may ramp up their efforts to sign the Celtic star this summer.
The Israeli has been a revelation for boss Ange Postecoglou since arriving from his native Israel over 18 months ago and still only 21, has racked up an impressive 25 goals with 16 assists in 87 matches. Such form at a young age will always bring attention but the Premiership champions are in a strong position to deal with any potential interest in one of their prime assets, with his contract not expiring until the summer of 2026.
Few names have been mentioned as yet but it was reported in the transfer window that Premier League side Southampton had been running the rule over Abada. Fresh claims from The Athletic suggest the attacker was 'discussed' as a winter option for the side currently battling relegation worries, but 'the sticking point was always the preference to wait until the summer.'
Scouts had also been tracking Josip Juranovic before his eventual move to Union Berlin. But it raises the possibility of a potential enquiry from St Mary's in another key Celtic man.
In years previous, Virgil Van Dijk, Victor Wanyama, Stuart Armstrong and Fraser Forster have all swapped Glasgow for Southampton. Celtic hero Moussa Dembele was also on their radar but they decided not to pursue the Lyon man.
It was a busy winter for Postecoglou, with Tomoki Iwata, Yuki Kobayashi, Alistair Johnston and Oh Hyeongu all arriving. Juranovic, Oliver Abildgaard and Moritz Jenz were among those to leave while Giorgos Giakoumakis' departure to Atlanta is still to be finalised.
READ NEXT
