Celtic have been linked with a long list of players over the past few weeks. But so far, only one of them has been signed. Camilo Duran has arrived from Qarabag in a transfer deal that could rise to £6 million if all add-ons are met.

With five Champions League goals last season, the hope is that Duran will strengthen this Celtic squad. But a lot more is needed.

The midfield department could be in particular need of strengthening if some of the rumoured exits do end up taking place.

Arne Engels is wanted in England and in Italy. A £25 million offer was turned down in the winter. Benjamin Nygren has not ruled out an exit. Reo Hatate and Paulo Bernardo look likely to leave after struggling for game time under Martin O'Neill.

One would hope that O'Neill gets his say when it comes to Celtic's transfer activity. And one of their rumoured targets seems to have caught the eye of the Northern Irish manager.

According to CeltsAreHere, O’Neill has personally checked on Emam Ashour's conditions as he weighs up numerous midfield options ahead of the 26/27 season.

It is believed that O’Neill wants more signings in multiple different positions and a number 8 in the engine room is on that list.

At times last season, the Celtic midfield did seem to lack the balance that they needed and often ended up losing the battle in the middle of the park in big games. That has been an issue for many years now.

Ashour did enjoy a standout campaign for Egypt at the World Cup. He scored a couple of goals for his national team.

He currently plays for Al Ahly. Recent reports have suggested that the club could be willing to offer him a record deal.

Ashour has been excellent for Al Ahly as well, scoring 32 goals and providing 25 assists in 105 appearances for the club.

READ MORE: Celtic Frontrunners to Sign €10m Player

Those are exceptional numbers from a player who plays in the middle of the park. Also, at 28 years of age, he is a player in his prime, a profile Celtic rarely target.

So, if Celtic do end up making a move for Ashour, there would be a lot to be pleased about. It is believed that a £4 million transfer fee could be enough to convince Al Ahly. That feels like a very achievable figure for the Scottish champions.

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