Turkish said Bursapor emerge as one of the favourites to sign Kelechi Iheanacho from Celtic

TURKISH newly-promoted Super Lig One side Bursapor have emerged as one of the favourites to sign former Super Eagles striker Kelechi Iheanacho from Glasgow Celtic during the forthcoming summer transfer window.

Iheanacho, 29, helped Celtic to win a domestic double last season, after joining as a free agent at the behest of then manager Brendan Rodgers, who needed another striker after the transfer window had shut. They had both worked together before at Leicester City and after underwhelming stints at Sevilla and Middlesbrough, Kelechi was clubless, so the two of them teamed up again.

After enjoying a good campaign last season, current manager Martin O'Neill is said to be keen to retain Iheanacho's services but the two sides are yet to reach an agreement. Kelechi was absent as the Scottish champions returned to Lennoxtown for pre-season preparations, despite the fact that he is keen on staying at the club.

No formal discussions have taken place over a new agreement, increasing uncertainty over whether the striker will continue his Celtic career. With Iheanacho now a free agent, several clubs have already begun presenting lucrative offers as they look to secure his signature.

According to reports from Turkish outlet Olay,  Bursaspor have made close contact with Iheanacho as they search for a proven striker ahead of the new season. Iheanacho, 29, became a free agent after Celtic decided not to activate the 12-month extension on his contract before the deadline.

Club president Enes Çelik confirmed that Bursaspor are carefully looking at different attacking options before making a final decision. He explained that the club will not rush into signing a striker and hopes to complete its plans after the team's training camp.

Although discussions have begun, no agreement has been reached. Iheanacho is taking his time before deciding on his next club because he has attracted interest from several countries. Even though injuries interrupted parts of his campaign, Iheanacho still made a big impact during his single season at Celtic under manager Martin O'Neill.

He played 13 matches in all competitions and scored seven goals. Five came in the Scottish Premiership, while he also found the net in the Uefa Europa League and Scottish Cup and scored important winning goals against Hibernian and Motherwell as Celtic won the Scottish Premiership title.

Iheanacho also came off the bench in the Scottish Cup final to score a brilliant solo goal that helped Celtic beat Dunfermline 3-1 and lift another trophy. Despite those important performances, Celtic decided not to keep him because of concerns over his fitness record, leaving Iheanacho free to negotiate with other clubs.

Iheanacho, who has scored 15 goals for the Super Eagles since making his senior debut, remains one of Nigeria's most experienced attackers in Europe. His club career has also included spells with Manchester City, Leicester City, Sevilla and Celtic.