Vakoun Issouf Bayo: Celtic legend Lubomir Moravcik expects forward to emulate Moussa Dembele and use club as stepping stone

Celtic legend Lubomir Moravcik believes Vakoun Issouf Bayo will be a good signing for the Hoops and can use the club as a stepping stone to even greater things.

Bayo, the 21-year-old forward, is close to securing a move to Parkhead from Slovakian club Dunajsak Streda, with The Sun reporting a £2million deal will be finalised this week.

Largely unknown before Celtic’s interest in him was reported, Bayo has captured the eye this season, scoring 18 goals in just 23 matches – including three in four Europa League qualifying games.

He is also an Ivory Coast international and has been backed to achieve great things by Moravcik, who has kept a close eye on the forward playing in his homeland.

“When Moussa Dembele came to Celtic he was nobody,” Moravick told the Evening Times. “After two years he moved to Lyon for £20million.

“I think Bayo can do the same – come from nowhere, play well at Celtic and then move on to a top club in England or elsewhere in Europe.”

Describing the type of player Bayo is, Moravcik added: “He has done very well. He is a good player, a good striker, and he has scored a few goals in the Slovakian league this season.

“I think he is ready to play well in Scotland.

“He has a lot of good qualities – he is 6ft tall, can cope with the physical side of the game, is a very good header of the ball, is quick enough and technically is excellent. It is a good idea for Celtic to target him.”

Celtic have already completed the signing of Oliver Burke on loan from West Brom, while the Hoops are expected to also wrap up a deal for Timothy Weah this week.