CELTIC and a clutch of Dutch clubs are interested in ending Viktor Fischer’s time at Middlesbrough – after just one year.

Fischer has struggled to make an impact on Teesside since moving from Ajax in a £3.8m deal last July and relegation has heightened the chances of him leaving already.

The 22-year-old only made six starts in the Premier League for Middlesbrough and Aitor Karanka felt he had struggled to adapt to the English game.

There is every chance a second season at that level would have led to improved performances from the Denmark international.

But his Danish boss Age Hareide has already indicated that the forward must come up with a way of playing more matches or he will lose his place on the international stage.

Fischer has been regarded as one of his country’s brightest prospects but injuries during his time at Ajax prevented him from really living up to his billing.

It was hoped the move to the Premier League would have taken his game to the next level, but Karanka hardly used him and when he did he struggled to impress.

Relegation and a change of manager – even if Steve Agnew does succeed Karanka for the longer term which seems unlikely – means a change of approach over the summer and further tinkering.

And interest in players such as Fischer is likely to see them leave if the deal suits all parties, with Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers known to have admired him in the past.

Rodgers is understood to have kept an eye on him during his younger days and he could be a valuable addition to the Scottish champions’ ranks.

Celtic do not have plenty of cash to throw around despite winning the treble north of the border, but they are in a position to be able to go somewhere near to the £3.8m fee Middlesbrough paid last year.

Rodgers, who has also shown an interest in Sunderland’s Fabio Borini, would be looking to get him for less after his frustrating year, although interest from the Eredivisie could strengthen Middlesbrough’s arm.

Fischer only played half an hour as a substitute under Agnew after Karanka’s exit and he is waiting, like the rest of the squad, to learn who will be leading Middlesbrough during pre-season.

Former Leeds boss Garry Monk and ex-Leicester manager Nigel Pearson, a former Middlesbrough captain, have been due for discussions with Steve Gibson this week.

Gibson, the Middlesbrough chairman, has been keen to take his time to get the right man although he was looking to have something at least close by the end of this week.

Monk and Pearson are the only two names seriously being backed, but there is other interest in the pair and Gibson is also understood to have an alternative option too.

Over the next 48 hours the Middlesbrough chief hopes to be closer in his mind as to when he will be able to confirm his next managerial appointment.