Celtic correspondent Kieran Devlin has been reacting to the club’s reported move for Algerian playmaker Zinedine Ferhat.

The Lowdown: Hoops offer

The Hoops have been linked with a move for the Nimes ace for a number of weeks now despite making five signings in the January window.

Ferhat, who has played in nine separate positions during his career, is out of contract at the end of the season.

Celtic and Turkish side Trabzonspor have reportedly offered the 28-year-old pre-contract terms with Ferhat set to leave the French second-tier side in the summer after failing to push through an exit last month.

The Latest: Devlin reacts

Devlin ran a Q&A on The Athletic ahead of Celtic’s meeting with Motherwell.

The Transfer Tavern asked the reliable reporter if he has heard the reports on Ferhat.

Here’s what he had to say in reply, admitting he would be ‘surprised’ if he made the move to Scotland in the summer.

"I've seen the reports but not been able to verify it. Personally, I'd be surprised by it to be honest if the reports are true, given he'd presumably be competition for Rogic, Turnbull, O'Riley and Hatate. You'd think that's Celtic's strongest area of the pitch now!"

The Verdict: Wide addition?

Although Ferhat can play as an attacking or central midfielder, he has actually made the most of his appearances on the right-hand side.

He’s turned out on 125 occasions as a right-winger and 115 times as a right-midfielder, so he could be a shrewd target on a free transfer to rival Liel Abada and James Forrest over the coming years.

Young talent Karamoko Dembele is out of contract at the end of the season, and although Ferhat won’t be a replacement for the long haul at the age of 28, he could still be a smart cut-price signing due to his experience in the French top flight and versatility.

In other news: Celtic now reject approach for 'brilliant' new boy who starred in Glasgow Derby, says journalist.