The father of Slovan Bratislava forward David Strelec has claimed that Championship club Middlesbrough, as well as Celtic, are interested in the player.
Strelec has long been a Celtic target, with the Slovakian international receiving interest from both the Hoops and, more recently, Middlesborough.
According to The Sun, Strelec’s father, Milan Strelec, has confirmed that Scottish club Celtic and Middlesbrough, among others, are interested in signing the 24-year-old.
Following their elimination from the Champions League qualification process by Kazakhstan’s Kairat Almaty, Slovan Bratislava may be more willing to make a deal for Strelec if an appropriate proposal comes in.
Strelec has made 30 appearances for his country, including every game at Euro 2024, and has spent his entire career with Slovan, with the exception of an unimpressive two-year stint in Italy with Spezia and Reggina.
David Strelec’s father confirms Middlesbrough and Celtic interest
Strelec’s father has been vocal about his son’s desire to leave, listing Middlesbrough and Celtic as clubs that have previously bid for him.
According to The Sun, Strelec’s father, Milan, stated, “When Slovan were trying to win through to the main stages of the Champions League again, the club’s management would not consider David’s transfer.”
Or at least it was not high on their priority list.
“But now I believe things will begin to happen before the August deadline.
Things will heat up again around David.
“As far as I know, numerous clubs are still interested, including Celtic and Middlesbrough, both of which have made previous bids for him.
“So I am curious what will happen in the remaining few days before the deadline.”
It is unclear what Slovan’s asking price for Strelec will be following their Champions League exit, but with Middlesbrough having recently completed the sale of Rav van den Berg to German club Cologne for more than £11 million, manager Rob Edwards will have some wiggle room in the transfer market.
David Strelec would improve Middlesbrough’s attacking options
It’s no secret that Middlesbrough are aiming to improve their attacking options this summer in order to ensure they have the firepower to undertake a strong promotion challenge this season.
Manager Edwards has a wealth of offensive talent at his disposal, including Morgan Whittaker, Tommy Conway, Finn Azaz, Delano Burgzorg, and new addition Sontje Hansen. Strelec can play as a centre-forward or just behind the striker, and he would fit perfectly into Edwards’ favored 3-4-2-1 or 4-2-3-1 formation.
With just over two weeks until the window closes at 7 p.m. on September 1, Boro could still add to their offensive options, with Strelec a known and potential target, but will have to battle with Celtic to sign him at The Riverside.
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