Celtic have signed Kelechi Iheanacho on a one-year contract 24 hours after the Nigerian striker had his contract terminated by Sevilla.

heanacho had been in talks to join Brendan Rodgers’ side on Monday evening following his release by Sevilla earlier that day, but they were not completed in time to beat the clock and the 28-year-old had to wait until 11.06 pm on Tuesday night for his transfer to be announced.

Celtic had already looked to add Anderlecht striker Kasper Dolberg to their ranks, only to be gazumped by Ajax at the last moment, before Chelsea striker David Datro Fofana rejected a loan move.

It left the Scottish Premiership champions short of numbers in attack after letting Adam Idah join Swansea for £7m before a replacement had been found. The Hoops did manage one Deadline Day arrival, completing the £5.2m signing of Hammarby IF winger Sebastian Tounekti, before getting Iheanacho’s move over the line a day later.

Rodgers said: “I know Kelechi so well and what he can bring to the team. He is such a talented player, with great ability, athleticism and work-rate.

“I am sure he will love being at Celtic and I believe our fans will love what he brings. He has great experience and he is right in his peak years so he can be a great signing for us. I am sure he will make a big contribution to the team.”

The 28-year-old ended last season on loan to Middlesbrough.