Celtic are keen on AZ Alkmaar's Albert Gudmundsson, according to Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf (via FC Update). 

The lowdown

Gudmundsson is out of contract at the end of the 2021/22 season, and so as of Saturday, the Hoops could approach him about joining on a free transfer next summer.

Discussions over an extension have gone 'quiet' for a 'while' now, he says, and while he hasn't 'locked the door' on staying put, he doesn't know if negotiations will reopen.

He's been at AZ since 2018, when he arrived from fellow Eredivisie side PSV Eindhoven.

The Iceland international has started 12 of his side's 18 league games so far this season, as well as five of their six Europa Conference League matches. Overall, he's contributed six goals and two assists (via Transfermarkt).

Gudmundsson has been capped 29 times by his country and was part of the squad that went to the 2018 World Cup.

The latest

The report reaffirms previous claims in the British press that both Celtic and their arch-rivals Rangers view Gudmundsson as an 'ideal' addition.

That's largely because of his versatility, with the 24-year-old capable of playing as a no. 10, a striker and a winger.

As his comments about his contract situation suggest, Gudmunsson is considering leaving AZ.

The verdict

Celtic need to improve their strength in depth. Ange Postecoglou has said as much when discussing the club's injury pile-up.

Gudmundsson would be especially useful in that regard because of his capacity to play in multiple positions.

And he boasts a decent record too, with 29 direct goal contributions (17 goals, 12 assists) in 81 appearances in the Eredivisie - the seventh-strongest league in Europe.

There could be a scenario here where both Glasgow clubs make overtures in January, trying to convince him that their project is the more attractive - perhaps the prospect of linking up as a duo with Kyogo Furuhashi could tempt him to Parkhead?

In other news, Celtic have been backed to complete this triple swoop.