Celtic lead Carney Chukwuemeka race as Chelsea 'set' transfer rules while £3.3m price drop opens Lyon raid door

The midfielder has yet to make a Premier League appearance for the Blues this season

Celtic are reportedly leading the race to snap up fringe man Carney Chukwuemeka from Chelsea on loan in January.

The Premier League heavyweights splashed around £20million to bring in the midfielder from Aston Villa in the summer of 2022 but he has failed to establish himself as a first-team regular at Stamford Bridge. Since Enzo Maresca's arrival in the summer, the 21-year-old has struggled for regular game time making four appearances in the Conference League - including the Thursday clash with Astana - and once in the Carabao Cup.

It is claimed the prospect is looking to ramp up his first team minutes with Calciomercato claiming that the Hoops are in "pole position" for a temporary agreement next month. It is noted that Milan are interested in a loan deal with an option to buy - but Chelsea are reluctant to green light a permanent exit at this stage.

Elsewhere, the door could be opening for Celtic to make their move to Lyon star Mahamadou Diawara. The Scottish champions had shown an interest in taking the 19-year-old midfielder on loan last summer with an option to buy.

However, after the Ligue 1 side dug in their heels to keep the talent Brendan Rodgers brought in in Arne Engels and Luke McCowan. With the cash-strapped French giants looking to raise funds this winter, Foot Mercato report Lyon will now accept a fee in the region £3.3million next month with Diawara desperate to ramp up his game time.

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