Amido Balde: Celtic striker is a target for Lokeren

Lokeren have confirmed an interest in Amido Balde, but have acknowledged the Celtic striker could prove to be too expensive.

Balde joined Celtic last summer from Vitoria Guimaraes, but scored only three goals in 23 appearances after starting just three times.

Reports have linked the 23-year-old with a return to Belgium, where the Portuguese forward previously played for Cercle Bruges prior to his time at Guimaraes.

Sporting director Willy Reynders has confirmed that Balde is the type of player Lokeren are looking to sign, but is unsure if a deal can happen.

"I know Balde from Cercle Bruges and Vitoria Guimaraes," Reynders is quoted as saying in the Sunday Mail. "He fits the profile we are looking for but he seems expensive.

"A loan? I don’t know if that's possible but we will see all the options."