The battle to land ‘Ghana Messi’

Scottish side CELTIC will have to offer at least £700,000 if they are to stand any chance of landing Frank Acheampong, after the Ghanaian international’s club turned down a £625,000 bid from German side Borussia Moenchengladbach.

The 19-year-old Acheampong is currently on trial at Celtic Park having impressed for Buriram United, who play in Thailand’s Premier League, but the club’s owner, Newin Chidchob, has insisted that Acheampong - dubbed the ‘Ghana Messi’ - will not leave the side for a knockdown price.

“The fee [Moenchengladbach] offered wasn’t enough - he is worth more than that.

“There is a lot of interest in Frank, but we signed him when he was 16 and he is a big part of our team. We are in talks with several clubs.

“We want to sell him and won’t let him join any club on loan.”

The diminutive winger is thought to be a target for several Chinese clubs, and was linked with Serie A side Palermo in 2010, although the move never materialised.

Acheampong has scored 17 goals in 56 games for Buriram United and helped his side to fourth last season, taking them to the AFC Champions League Qualifying play-offs.