Forgotten ex-Celtic man could be on his way to European league leaders in shock transfer

This would be an unusual, but interesting, move.

Anthony Stokes has been linked with a transfer to Jagiellonia Białystok, the team currently top of the Polish first division. Jagiellonia seemingly have an eye for Irish strikers. Stokes is wanted by the club after they missed out on Cillian Sheridan, according to Polish media outlet Przeglad Sportowy. Jagiellonia had a €200,000 bid for Sheridan rejected by Omonia Nicosia earlier this week. However, they are still able to add to their squad for the remainder of this month, as the Polish transfer window doesn't close until February 28. Stokes, who won nine caps for the Republic of Ireland, signed a three-year deal with Blackburn Rovers last summer, but has seen just 16 minutes of first-team action since last August. Hibernian manager Neil Lennon attempted to sign the 28-year-old on the UK's transfer deadline day. "How close were we with Stokesy? Very close. I don't think I am talking out of turn when I say that," Lennon said.

"I was here on Tuesday night and, to be fair to the club, they did everything they could to try to get the deal done. There is certainly no blame to be apportioned to anyone on our side. He's back at Blackburn now."

The former Celtic and Republic of Ireland striker was given a two-year suspended sentence earlier this week, and fined €30,000, for assaulting an Elvis impersonator in Dublin in 2013. Jagiellonia are first in the Polish top flight, level on points with Lechia Gdansk, and looking to add a striker to their squad as they seek to win their first ever league title. Stokes would reportedly have to take a pay cut to fit within the club's pay structure, where top earners take home €5,000 a week. The 28-year-old's most prolific spells have come in Scottish football, where he spent six successful years with Celtic, scoring 76 goals in 191 games. He began his professional career with Arsenal. If Stokes was to join Jagiellonia, and they won the Polish league, he would be involved in the qualifying rounds of the Champions League next season. Catch up with this week's episode of 888sport Football Friday Live