Celtic have stepped up their pursuit of Michel-Ange Balikwisha as they look to strengthen their attacking options before the transfer deadline.

According to journalist Sacha Tavolieri, the Hoops are hoping to finalise a deal for the Belgian winger before the transfer window closes.

Celtic have been active in the market since they cashed in on Nicolas Kuhn in a deal that resulted in him joining Como for around £16.5 million.

They’ve also lost Jota to a long-term injury, leaving manager Brendan Rodgers short of firepower on the flanks.

Their lack of reinforcements has already frustrated supporters, with chants of ‘sack the board’ ringing out during Wednesday’s goalless Champions League play-off first leg against Kairat Almaty.

That result means Celtic must now travel to Kazakhstan needing a win to secure qualification. In the meantime, the club has accelerated efforts to land Balikwisha.

A delegation from Celtic reportedly flew out to meet with the Royal Antwerp winger and his representatives in a bid to finalise personal terms.

The Scottish champions have already agreed a fee with Antwerp, but the move is being held up by the player, who is reluctant to give the green light.

The 24-year-old has been on Celtic’s radar for a while. Celtic were looking to snap him up last summer, but the move was derailed by injury. They tried again in January, but nothing materialised.

Balikwisha is now in the final year of his contract with Antwerp. He’s ready for a new challenge, and Celtic are pushing to bring him to Scotland in a deal worth around £4.5m.

The former Belgium Under-21 international has impressed since breaking into the Antwerp first team, bagging 30 goals and 27 assists in 145 appearances.

He can operate in multiple positions across the frontline and would be a shrewd acquisition for Rodgers.