Lyle Taylor ‘opens Celtic transfer talks’ as former Rangers target enters signing frame

Celtic are in signing talks with former Charlton striker Lyle Taylor, according to a report.

The former Partick Thistle and Falkirk frontman is a free agent following the expiry of his Addicks contract.

He’d been linked with a move to Rangers but Sky Sports state he’s one of a number of forwards on Neil Lennon ‘s radar.

The Parkhead boss is keen to further bolster his frontline, with the likes of Ivan Toney, Albian Ajeti and Steven Fletcher in the frame.

Lennon has specified Celtic have held discussions with veteran Scotland international Fletcher – as first revealed by Record Sport.

Taylor, however, is said to be the latest option under consideration.

The 30-year-old refused to play for Charlton following the coronavirus lockdown, opting to sit out the remaining Championship fixtures, after which Lee Bowyer’s side were relegated.

Taylor maintained a dream to play at a higher level was behind the decision, coupled with a fear that a bad injury would scupper that ambition.

He said in June: “I’ve sat in my living room staring at a blank TV screen for hours. I’ve not eaten or slept properly. I’ve been up till five in the morning. It’s been very very difficult.

“It’s not a normal conversation, a normal decision, an are-you-fit, aren’t-you-fit conversation. This is a ‘Lyle, are you going to finish the season, are you going to extend the contract?’

“I said: ‘Bow, my heart says play, you will be OK, you have been fine for 10 years, 12 years until this knee injury. But my head is saying there comes a time when I have to consider that injury is actually a real factor and where would I be should I get injured in the next six weeks, eight weeks?’”