Celtic will have to offer at least ã700,000 if they are to stand any chance of landing Frank Acheampong, after the Ghanaian internationalââ¬â¢s club turned down a ã625,000 bid from German side Borussia Moenchengladbach.
The 19-year-old Acheampong is currently on trial at Celtic Park having impressed for Buriram United, who play in Thailandââ¬â¢s Premier League, but the clubââ¬â¢s owner, Newin Chidchob, has insisted that Acheampong - dubbed the ââ¬ËGhana Messiââ¬â¢ - will not leave the side for a knockdown price.
ââ¬ÅThe fee [Moenchengladbach] offered wasnââ¬â¢t enough - he is worth more than that.
ââ¬ÅThere is a lot of interest in Frank, but we signed him when he was 16 and he is a big part of our team. We are in talks with several clubs.
ââ¬ÅWe want to sell him and wonââ¬â¢t let him join any club on loan.ââ¬
The diminutive winger is thought to be a target for several Chinese clubs, and was linked with Serie A side Palermo in 2010, although the move never materialised.
Acheampong has scored 17 goals in 56 games for Buriram United and helped his side to fourth last season, taking them to the AFC Champions League Qualifying play-offs.