Celtic appear unlikely to sign Sydney van Hooijdonk this month with the Bologna striker’s father seemingly ruling out a January move unless his Serie A employers can first bring in a replacement. 
It is over two months since the former Heerenveen talisman seemingly threw open the doors to a mid-season departure, struggling for game time in Italy and glued to the Bologna bench. Since then, he’s started only two of seven Serie A games, Sydney van Hooijdonk still stuck behind the in-form – and much-admired – Joshua Zirkzee in Thiago Motta’s pecking order.
Speculation linking the broad-shouldered Dutchman with a potential £4 million move to Celtic continues to swirl, as a result. But, according to Van Hooijdonk’s father – himself a former Hoops forward – the chance of Sydney following in Pierre’s footsteps before the month is out look slim, to say the least.
Celtic reportedly like Sydney van Hooijdonk
“I think there is a greater chance that he will stay there (in Italy),” Van Hooijdonk Sr tells Studio Voetbal on NOS.
“No, (he will not be allowed to leave) yet, I think. Also, because they are trying to see if they can get another striker. That would change things a bit.”
Former Netherlands international Pierre van Hooijdonk scored 56 goals in 92 games for Celtic in the 1990s. Three decades on, Sydney could yet be afforded the opportunity to follow in his father’s footsteps.
The 23-year-old – a master of the first-time finish – hit the target 19 times during a superb Eredivisie loan spell at Heerenveen last term but has struggled to make the step up from the relatively small pond that is Dutch football into choppier waters full of far bigger fish.
Brendan Rodgers has January plans
HITC understands that Celtic are also keen on Hearts frontman Lawrence Shankland. So far, Brendan Rodgers have brought in only Nicolas Kuhn from Rapid Vienna, although a new goalkeeper cannot be ruled out with Joe Hart’s contract expiring in the summer.
Elfsborg shot-stopper Hakon Valdimarsson, an Iceland international and the Swedish league’s reigning Goalkeeper of the Year, is reportedly available for a bargain £2 million.
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