Celtic are understood to have slipped behind in the pursuit of Crystal Palace winger Jesurun Rak-Sakyi, with Martin O’Neill’s side now seemingly needing to swoop in and disrupt Stoke City’s efforts to land the gifted Eagles attacker.
O’Neill has called for fresh additions before the winter transfer window closes, as Celtic look to mount a challenge against surprise Scottish Premiership pace-setters Hearts in the title battle.
But in terms of a potential move for Rak-Sakyi, Palace are standing firm on an £8million obligation to buy being included in any loan agreement for the 23-year-old, and it is Stoke who currently appear to be in pole position as they consider submitting a formal bid.
Celtic attempted to secure Rak-Sakyi on loan during last summer’s transfer window, but ultimately failed to complete a deal as the winger instead made the move to Turkish side Caykur Rizespor.
Now back at Selhurst Park this month, the attacker has attracted interest from several clubs, according to Football Insider, with Stoke confident they can fend off competition to secure his services.
Rak-Sakyi remains under contract with Palace until 2027, but he does not feature in Oliver Glasner’s plans and is expected to be sent out on loan once more, provided acceptable terms are agreed.
Celtic losing ground in Rak-Sakyi pursuit
Although Celtic have not withdrawn from the chase for Rak-Sakyi, the report claims they are still some distance from meeting Palace’s valuation, creating an opportunity for Stoke to strike a deal.
Indeed, discussing the winger’s likely destination, FI’s Pete O’Rourke said: “Yeah again he’s a player that Celtic have looked at for a while. They considered him in the summer but weren’t able to get a deal done.
“The problem for Celtic right now is they would prefer a loan with no obligation in the deal.
“Crystal Palace are insisting that if he is to go out on loan again this window, they want an obligation included in that deal of around £8million which Celtic are not willing to do.
Stoke are the ones who are leading the race for Rak-Sakyi.
“They might be willing to take that player on loan and have an obligation as part of that deal which obviously Crystal Palace are insisting on.
“So yeah I think right now it’s probably looking more likely that he will leave Crystal Palace but obviously that obligation as part of the loan is the sticking point for the interested clubs.