Martin O’Neill insists Celtic remain active in pursuit of new signing

The Hoops have so far completed just one piece of business this window, securing defender Julian Araujo on a loan deal from Bournemouth.

However, a potential £3m move for Ivory Coast winger Jocelin Ta Bi has fallen through, with the player having finalised a switch to Sunderland instead for £3.5m. Apparently Celtic’s agreement to sign the player was verbal only, this according to leading transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.

As the club looks to add a striker, peculation continues to surround several possible arrivals, focusing on West Ham forward Callum Wilson and Celje striker Franko Kovacevic. Wilson though is set to move to Saudi Arabia and Martin O’Neill distanced Celtic for any talk of bringing the former England international to Parkhead. There remains some hope that Kovacevic will be a target Celtic is actively pursuing.

Martin O’Neill has reiterated his desire to see new faces arrive before the window closes. Addressing the media ahead of Celtic’s Scottish Cup clash with Auchinleck Talbot, the 73 year-old manager shared his thoughts on the club’s recruitment plans.

Speaking via Celtic’s official YouTube channel, O’Neill said: “Remarkably, I think we are. We’re definitely a bit closer. I dread these interviews because I like the natter, it’s good fun, but I dread the questions coming up. These things [questions]can’t be until the second or third of February.”

“To me, it is essential, absolutely essential [to get players in as soon as possible]. I think we know that. Obviously, we can’t change the squad around for the Italy game [vs Bologna], but all next week we would like to have some people in for Hearts if at all possible.”

“I’d be hoping by some stage next week we would have people [in the door].”

O’Neill was asked about Callum Wilson rumours but was pretty dismissive of the Englishman joining Celtic.

“I can’t tell you anything,” he said. “For want of telling you, it’s news to me. But we are in search of those elusive goalscorers. But we’re not the only team as well.”

“On a serious note, I can’t tell you anything about it, but we are… Is it becoming my favourite phrase? We are making progress.”

Conor Spence

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