Sydney van Hooijdonk was absent as Bologna secured a dramatic 2-2 draw against AC Milan last night. 

The transfer rumour mill was sent into overdrive after a TNT broadcaster suggested to move by Thiago Motta to leave the striker out of the squad because of an impending move to Celtic this month.

However, the head coach of the Serie A side has revealed that the 23-year-old Dutchman - son of former Celts great Pierre - was missing from his first team fold due to illness.

However, the former Italy midfielder refused to rule out the frontman leaving Bologna before the end of the transfer window.

Speaking after his side's stalemate at the San Siro, he said: "We'll see if in the end he stays here or not, the important thing is that he always trains to the maximum."

TNT's commentator said prior to the game: "Sydney van Hooijdonk is the absent man upfront, not even in the squad, with an apparent move to Celtic on the cards."

Brendan Rodgers' side has been linked with the striker for months, with reports in Italy claiming a loan move is the most likely option.

Van Hooijdonk has played just 11 times for Bologna this season after earning a move from Heerenveen. He scored 16 goals for the Eredivisie outfit last season.

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The player recently admitted he was considering his options amid frustrations over his lack of game time.

He said: "I’m at a good team and I like life a lot. But I have to do what’s best for my growth.

"For my career. I also have to play. In football, things can change quickly, who knows what will happen? Now, there is Joshua who is playing a great season. Do the rumours about my possible transfer bother me?

"It’s normal when you don’t play. In the last year-and-a-half, I’ve played a lot and also scored a lot. In my opinion, Bologna isn’t the same as when I came here two years ago. Everything has improved. The level…everything. We’ll see what happens.”