Celtic are set to step up their pursuit of Ivory Coast striker Vakoun Issouf Bayo this week with the Slovakian side confirming an approach from the Parkhead side.

It is believed that there is interest in the 14-goal striker from Parma and Rapid Vienna in the striker who has helped to take the club to second in the Slovak Super League this season.

The club's sporting director, Jan Van Daele, has confirmed there has been an opening offer from Celtic but it is believed that they wish an offer in excess of £2.3m before they are willing to allow their top goalscorer to leave.

"We can confirm we have received an official offer from Celtic of which we acknowledged receipt," said Van Daele. "We are planning to start the negotiation process in due course.

"He still has two and a half years on his contract but if such a club with the standing of Celtic wants one of our players it would be difficult to stop it.

"The transfer window is just opening and there is a lot of interest. We don't want to kill dreams. It is one of the aims of our club to offer a platform for players to go to bigger leagues - but we have a value that must be met."

An under-23 international, Bayo is currently on honeymoon after marrying on Saturday.

Brendan Rodgers is looking for two strikers in the market for two strikers in the current window with Leigh Griffiths sidelined for the foreseeable future.

A six- month loan deal for Timothy Weah looks set to be formalised this week but further additions are expected to follow.