Leading Celtic manager candidate Eddie Howe has reportedly identified Josh King as the club's next talisman with Odsonne Edouard's future uncertain.
The Norwegian international has endured a tough time at Everton where he is yet to start a game since joining the Toffees on deadline day.
The 29-year-old's misery has been compounded by the fact he missed out on a dream return to Manchester United in January 2019 when his stock was highest.
The Scottish Sun claim King is the man Howe believes can fire Celtic into title contention as they look to readdress the balance after Rangers romped to the earliest title win in Premiership history.
But King is a free agent in the summer and it's understood Howe is keen to tempt him north of the border with a host of teams sure to be interest with only wages and a nominal fee to pay.
The forward reached double figures in two Premier League seasons under Howe's stewardship and forged a deadly double act with Callum Wilson.
The link comes with Leicester City and a host of others set to test Celtic's resolve for Edouard who only has one year remaining on his current Parkhead deal.
Record Sport first revealed the interest from Brendan Rodgers' side back in January 2020 and a host of other teams are waiting in the wings for the Parkhead talisman.
