Celtic are interested in signing Rennes striker M’Baye Niang, according to Foot Mercato reporter Sebastien Denis.

The Lowdown: Niang profiled

Niang has been with Rennes since 2019 and is under contract until 2023. He’s primarily a centre-forward but can also play out wide on either side.

The 26-year-old has scored 67 goals during his career for club and country and is currently valued at £4.05m by Transfermarkt after his market valuation plummeted from £13.5m in August 2020.

Niang, who is on £62,000-a-week with the Ligue 1 side, is attracting interest from clubs in four different countries.

The Latest: Denis’ tweet

Denis posted on Twitter on Thursday evening on Niang. He claimed that Serie A side Venezia are ‘very hot’ on Niang, with Celtic, Fenerbahce and Shanghai Shenhua all ‘interested’, but to a lesser degree.

"As reported in Italy, the Italian team from Venezia is very very hot on M'baye Niang for a dry transfer. Fenerbahce, Celtic Glasgow and Shanghai are interested in the Rennes striker but to a lesser degree."

The Verdict: A gamble

Celtic’s reported interest in Niang could be due to Odsonne Edouard’s stance on his Parkhead future.

The French forward still wants to leave Celtic Park after his move to Leicester City fell through, but bringing in Niang could be a gamble.

His wage in France is over three times the amount of Celtic’s highest earner, Callum McGregor, and his form last season didn’t represent that of a player on £62,000-a-week.

Niang scored just once in 17 appearances in all competitions, so perhaps Celtic would be better off looking elsewhere for attacking reinforcements.

In other news: £5.4m-rated club captain admits he would 'immediately' sign for Celtic; he's on £18,000-a-week.