Celtic have been linked with BK Häcken midfielder Abdoulaye Doumbia, but CeltsAreHere understands the 19-year-old is not currently an active transfer target for the Hoops.

However, our understanding is that while Celtic will have scouting reports on Doumbia, there is no indication that the club are actively pursuing a move for the teenager.

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Instead, Doumbia represents the type of player Celtic are assessing as part of their wider search for midfield reinforcements.

CeltsAreHere understands that Celtic are already working on other midfield targets considered more suitable for the squad’s current requirements.

Scouting a player does not necessarily mean a club intends to make an offer.

Celtic assess footballers across numerous leagues, with reports helping the recruitment department identify potential options for different positions.

Doumbia, who joined Häcken from ASEC Mimosas in Ivory Coast, fits aspects of the profile Celtic have been examining.

He operates primarily as a defensive midfielder and offers a more physical presence in the middle of the park.

However, being an example of the type of midfielder under consideration is different from being a player Celtic have identified for an immediate move.

The need for greater balance in Celtic’s midfield has been an ongoing discussion, particularly during the club’s recent run of difficult performances.

Sunday’s 2-0 defeat to Falkirk provided another example of Celtic struggling to control parts of a match when opponents played with greater physical intensity.

Martin O’Neill has also been rotating his midfield options, with Mika Baur and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain starting at the Falkirk Stadium before both were substituted.

Finding the right midfield addition involves more than identifying someone capable of winning challenges.

Celtic also need a player comfortable receiving possession under pressure and protecting the defence when the team pushes forward.

That makes the difference between a promising teenage prospect and someone ready to take responsibility in the Scottish Premiership particularly relevant.

With the January transfer window approaching, Celtic’s midfield recruitment is likely to attract growing attention.

The club’s reported interest in Doumbia offers an indication of the profile being examined, but supporters should not interpret the scouting link as evidence that negotiations are underway.

CeltsAreHere understands that other candidates are being pursued as more suitable options.

Doumbia remains a player whose attributes fit parts of Celtic’s recruitment thinking rather than an identified target for an immediate transfer.

The next development to watch will be whether Celtic’s work on those alternative midfield options progresses towards a deal when the January window opens.