As per Lancashire Evening Post, Celtic were keeping tabs on Motherwell striker Louis Moult whose contract ends at the end of the campaign.
However, English Championship side Preston North End have pipped them and other suitors to his signature, with the former Stoke City man set to sign for them and move officially on January 1.
The development is a huge blow to Celtic, with star striker Moussa Dembele bound to leave Parkhead next summer.
The French youngster has recently revealed leaving Scotland next season can’t be ruled out, and it is almost impossible to see him stay beyond this term.
As far as a perfect replacement goes, Moult would have fitted easily into Dembele’s shoes given his form and experience.
The 25-year-old has bagged 14 goals in all competitions this term, adding to 36 he bagged during the last 2 campaigns, and would have been a fine addition to the Celtic attack.
Relying on the injury-prone Leigh Griffiths when Dembele finally leaves won’t do the Hoops any good, while the future of PSG loanee Odsonne Edouard, who is still learning the ropes, at the club can’t be ascertained yet.
Finding a quality striker won’t come easy when the need arises, and it’s safe to say Celtic have shot themselves in the foot by missing out on Moult.
