Alex McLeish has urged Celtic to land Everton striker Josh King this summer.

The Hoops have been linked with a move for the Norwegian forward should Eddie Howe take over as their new manager ahead of the 2021/22 campaign.

King set for Everton exit

The 29-year-old made the move to Merseyside on a short-term deal back in January, but he looks set to depart Goodison Park at the end of the season.

King, who recorded a quicker top speed than Marcus Rashford last season, is thought to be on £45,000-a-week with the Toffees.

Talking exclusively to Football Insider, McLeish urged Celtic to land the Norway striker, labelling him as a potential ‘tremendous addition’.

“If Josh has still got his speed, then yes. He is a higher level player than the Scottish Premier League.

“We’ve said that about some other players and they haven’t quite worked out in the Scottish Premiership for one reason or another.

“However, Josh is quick and he knows his way around the penalty boxes. If he still retains that speed, still has that speed, then yes, it would be a tremendous addition to Celtic’s frontline.”

Transfer Tavern take

We’re with McLeish in believing that King could be a ‘tremendous addition’ to Celtic’s attacking ranks, especially with Odsonne Edouard pushing for a Parkhead exit.

Should Howe arrive in Glasgow, the Norwegian could then become the ideal replacement for the France under-21 international. King has scored 48 goals in the Premier League, has more than 50 international caps under his belt and won’t turn 30 until 2022.

A free transfer could be just what Celtic need.

In other news: Celtic could release one player this summer, find out who it is here.