Exclusive: West Brom move first with bid for Celtic striker target, club responds

West Brom, Lincoln City and Oxford United have had bids rejected by Falkirk for striker Barney Stewart, sources have told Football Insider.

The 22-year-old has enjoyed a strong second half of the season in the Scottish Premiership after he returned from his loan spell at Dunfermline in January.

He has scored five goals in his last eight games in the league, including strikes against Kilmarnock, Aberdeen and high-flying Motherwell before the split.

Those performances have attracted interest from a number of English Championship clubs who could look to lure him away from Falkirk, although it may prove difficult.

Steward has a contract at Falkirk until 2028, and the club have the option to extend his stay by another year, placing them in a strong position over his future.

Understand West Brom, Lincoln and Oxford have had bids rejected by Falkirk for striker Barney Stewart. #WBA #Imps #oufc #falkirk pic.twitter.com/8k5CDqKy5F

Football Insider exclusively revealed on 6 May that Celtic are keeping tabs on Stewart and have been impressed by his performances so far this season.

However, they are preparing to face interest from a number of English clubs who could be well-placed to lure the striker away from Premiership football.

West Brom have been impressed by Stewart’s performances for Falkirk this season and could make a move as they aim to avoid a relegation scrap next term.

Lincoln City are making similar preparations following their promotion from League One as they aim to establish themselves rather than dropping straight back down.

Oxford United, meanwhile, are hoping to improve their squad following their relegation from the second tier as they aim to bounce straight back up next season.

While West Brom continue to keep tabs on Stewart’s progress in the hope of luring him down from Scotland, they could lose a key player in the opposite direction.

Football Insider revealed on 7 May that George Campbell is a target for Celtic and could be tempted to leave The Hawthorns in favour of a move north of the border.

The West Brom centre-back is one of a number of candidates that the Bhoys are considering as potential reinforcements for their defence this summer.

The USA international is also attracting interest from clubs in the Bundesliga and the English Championship, and it could prove tough for West Brom to keep him.

Should Celtic end the season with the Scottish Premiership title in their grasp, their subsequent qualification of the Champions League could give them the edge.

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