Bologna are weighing up whether to use Celtic transfer target Sydney van Hooijdonk as a “bargaining chip” in talks to sign Rocco Vata, according to Quotidiano Sportivo.

The Italian news outlet claims that the Serie A club are keen to win the race for Vata’s signature but negotiations have not progressed as hoped.

It is believed that van Hooijdonk could be offered up to help “unblock” the impasse between the two teams. Reports have regularly linked the Dutchman with a move to Celtic Park in recent months.

Van Hooijdonk is also said to be open to leaving Bologna in January, having struggled to get starting opportunities since his return from a loan spell at Heerenveen in the summer.

Would Celtic be keen on taking the striker?

With both Oh Hyeon-gyu and Daizen Maeda currently away at the Asian Cup, manager Brendan Rodgers is short of options up front.

A move for a new forward during the January transfer window is thought to be on the cards and van Hooijdonk’s recent goal record means he could be an attractive target.

Van Hooijdonk has proven himself in Dutch football

While the 23-year-old may not have had a good spell in Italy this season, scoring 1 goal in 10 appearances, that is more down to the fact that he has not been afforded a lot of game time. The striker has spent just 304 minutes on the pitch for Bologna since August.

Celtic’s interest in van Hooijdonk is based on his time with Heerenveen last campaign when he hit the back of the net 19 times in 39 appearances for the Eredivisie side. If he can replicate that strike rate in Scotland, he could end up being a very shrewd signing for the Hoops.

Watch the Fitbaw Talk on Shots!TV here as our pundits discuss the January transfer window