Report: Celtic offered an opportunity to sign a “flamboyant” forward and are already negotiating a deal.

Celtic are actively exploring a move for Borussia Dortmund winger Cole Campbell after identifying the highly-rated youngster as one of their primary transfer targets ahead of the new season.

The Scottish champions are stepping up their search for reinforcements on the right wing as they look to strengthen Martin O’Neill’s squad during the summer transfer window. Among the names being closely monitored is Motherwell attacker Elijah Just, who has further enhanced his reputation with a string of impressive performances at the World Cup.

The New Zealand international, who has earned 47 caps for his country, has enjoyed an outstanding tournament, scoring three goals in as many matches and demonstrating the quality that has made him one of the most sought-after wide players in Scotland.

Alongside their interest in Just, Celtic have now turned their attention towards Campbell, a talented 20-year-old currently under contract with Borussia Dortmund.

Although Campbell remains one of the more promising young attacking players in Germany, he is still waiting to establish himself at senior level. Eligible to represent both the United States and Iceland internationally, the Texas-born winger has made only seven first-team appearances for Dortmund since progressing through the club’s ranks.

In an effort to gain valuable experience, Campbell spent last season on loan at Hoffenheim. However, the temporary spell did not unfold as planned, with the youngster finding opportunities difficult to come by throughout the Bundesliga campaign.

Despite the limited game time, Celtic believe the winger possesses significant long-term potential and could benefit from regular first-team football in Glasgow.

According to a report from Football Insider, Celtic have already begun working on a possible deal for Campbell after identifying him as a clear transfer target.

Rather than meeting Borussia Dortmund’s reported £6 million valuation, the Hoops are currently assessing the possibility of signing the winger on a season-long loan.

The Scottish club are reluctant to commit such a sizeable transfer fee for a player who has yet to fully establish himself at senior level, making a temporary agreement a far more attractive option.

Encouragingly for Celtic, Borussia Dortmund are understood to be open to Campbell leaving the club this summer.

The Bundesliga outfit are prepared to consider either a permanent transfer or a loan move if they believe it represents the best opportunity for the young winger’s continued development.

That flexibility significantly increases the chances of an agreement being reached, with a switch to Parkhead now viewed as a realistic possibility if negotiations progress positively.

While Campbell remains highly regarded because of his technical ability and long-term promise, there are understandable concerns surrounding his lack of senior experience.

His loan spell at Hoffenheim offered only limited opportunities to showcase his talent.

Across five Bundesliga appearances, Campbell accumulated just 74 minutes of action and was unable to register either a goal or an assist during his time with the club.

The lack of consistent involvement means there are still plenty of questions surrounding whether he is ready to make an immediate impact for a club with Celtic’s expectations.

For that reason, many believe Elijah Just represents a much safer and more proven option for the Scottish champions.

The Motherwell winger has already demonstrated his quality both domestically and on the international stage.

His recent performances at the World Cup have further strengthened his growing reputation.

Just announced himself in spectacular fashion by scoring twice during New Zealand’s entertaining 2-2 draw against Iran in their opening match of the tournament.

Although New Zealand later suffered a heavy 5-1 defeat to Belgium, the winger once again found the back of the net, underlining his ability to produce moments of quality against elite opposition.

Those displays have naturally increased interest in the 26-year-old as clubs continue monitoring his progress.

Beyond his international achievements, Just has already established himself as one of the Scottish Premiership’s most effective creative players.

Last season he registered seven assists for Motherwell, highlighting his consistency and attacking influence throughout the campaign.

Remarkably, that assist tally was higher than every Celtic player except Kieran Tierney, illustrating just how productive he has been in the final third.

Given those statistics, there is a strong argument that Just should be Celtic’s leading priority as they search for a new right-sided attacker.

Unlike Campbell, he already possesses valuable experience within Scottish football and has repeatedly shown he can deliver goals and assists against familiar opposition.

His proven record would likely reduce the level of risk associated with the signing while providing Martin O’Neill with an attacker capable of making an immediate contribution.

Campbell, by comparison, represents a far more developmental signing.

There is little doubt regarding his natural talent, with many observers previously describing the young winger as a flamboyant attacking player capable of exciting supporters with his direct style and technical ability.

However, his lack of regular senior football means he remains an investment for the future rather than a guaranteed starter.

If Celtic are successful in negotiating a loan agreement, the move could provide Campbell with the opportunity he has struggled to find in Germany while allowing the club to assess his development without committing to a substantial transfer fee.

Such an arrangement would minimise financial risk while giving the youngster a platform to prove he can flourish in Scottish football.

As Celtic continue evaluating their attacking options, both Campbell and Just remain firmly on the club’s shortlist.

Whether the Hoops ultimately pursue the experienced and proven route by targeting the Motherwell winger or opt for the exciting potential offered by Dortmund prospect Campbell, strengthening the right flank remains a clear objective before the new campaign begins.