Celtic have “contacted” Algeria A head coach Madjid Bougherra to enquire about ES Setif attacking midfielder Ahmed Kendouci, according to Liberte.

The Algerian newspaper reports that Kendouci is aware of the Hoops’ interest after Bougherra, who is a former Rangers player, was sounded out.

Kendouci has subsequently handed in a transfer request in order to force through his move to Glasgow. ES Setif’s board are thought to be open to selling while the manager, Nabil Kouki, is more reluctant to let him leave.

Money is likely to do most of the talking, though, with other reports suggesting a fee of £1m would probably be enough to secure the playmaker’s signature.

Kendouci has never played outside of Algeria but he did make a big impression in the domestic league last season, scoring 11 goals and providing 11 assists in 43 appearances for ES Setif. Whether he could produce similar numbers in Scotland, it remains to be seen.