The Hoops had been linked with the out-of-contract RB Leipzig midfielder
Xaver Schlager, left, won’t be joining Celtic(Image: SNS Group)
Martin O’Neill has categorically denied that Celtic have offered a pre-contract to RB Leipzig midfielder Xaver Schlager.
Reports in Germany had claimed that the Hoops had tabled a deal for the 28-year-old to arrive next term. Schlager has rejected a fresh extension with Leipzig and the Bundesliga outfit confirmed he would be leaving at the end of the season.
Italian giants Juventus are said to be chasing his signature on a free transfer, but O’Neill dismissed suggestions the Scottish champions are in the race to land the Austrian international.
He said: “No. Definitely not.”
O’Neill was also coy over whether he will have any involvement in the club’s summer transfer plans, with a new manager expected to take over.
However, the veteran boss admitted Celtic require a dramatic restructuring to ensure they learn from the mistakes made this season.
He added: “Let’s see how the season pans out first!
“They won’t want much of my involvement if we don’t win another game.
“I am sure that the new manager coming in, and Celtic should be on the search now, should be looking and have his own scouting system up and running.
“There will be a more robust look at how we approach the transfer market.
“Sometimes it does go to the last minute but it’s about having things in place and up and running, not like last year.”
Celts have yet to replace Paul Tisdale after the head of football operations was sacked in January following a calamitous 18 months.
Asked if the club are close to landing a new recruitment chief, O’Neill added: “I don’t know but I assume that some sort of structure will come in that takes all of that into consideration.”