Celtic have approached Crystal Palace about a loan move for Jesurun Rak-Sakyi, but a disagreement over the structure of the deal is currently keeping the two clubs apart.

 

CeltsAreHere understands that Celtic are keen on bringing the winger to Glasgow until the end of the season, having tracked him since last summer and maintained dialogue with Palace throughout that period.

Rak-Sakyi has spent the first part of the campaign on loan at Çaykur Rizespor, but Celtic are now exploring the possibility of taking him to Scotland before the window closes.

However, the Scottish champions face stiff competition for the 23-year-old’s signature, with both Swansea City and Stoke City also expressing interest and that competition may prove decisive.

Palace are open to allowing the attacker to leave but would strongly prefer any loan deal to include an obligation to buy at the end of the season. That stance has already complicated matters elsewhere, with Swansea previously offering such terms before the player reportedly rejected a move to Wales.

Celtic, by contrast, are only prepared to proceed with an option to buy rather than an obligation, a structure that would reduce their financial risk.

It is understood Palace have made clear during negotiations that an obligation clause is important for their financial fair play considerations, with the permanent fee likely to be in the region of £8 million.

While Celtic have the funds available to complete such a deal, their insistence on an option rather than an obligation could ultimately scupper their pursuit of Rak-Sakyi.

The club remain in the market for reinforcements, with at least one striker, a wide player and a centre-half targeted before the January window closes.