The Parkhead icon is set to be unveiled as boss in Glasgow’s east end for the upcoming season
(Image: SNS Group)
Frank McAvennie has heard whispers the Celtic board will hand a £40million transfer war chest to Martin O’Neill on his return to the dugout.
The Parkhead icon lifted the Premiership and Scottish Cup last term, and veteran gaffer O’Neill has held talks with Dermot Desmond to become permanent Celtic boss for a second time by signing a one-year contract.
While the club have yet to formally announce the contract – with Robbie Keane the other contender for the hot seat – McAvennie claims that big money will be handed to the 74-year-old to boost the squad.
Speaking on his ‘Let Me Be Frank’ podcast, he said: “I heard £40million [for how much he is going to have to spend]. I think there is a lot of players they need to get rid of. I know you are going to be losing money on some of them, but even if you get them out and get the wages.”
Going on to name the players he reckons will be moved on, he said: “I think the boy [Michel-Ange] Balikwisha has got to leave, because I don’t think he is going to get a game. Maybe this boy Balikwisha will leave Celtic and be outstanding.
“I think [Arne] Engels will stay, I think [Benjamin] Nygren will go, [Daizen] Maeda will go and [Reo] Hatate will go. That’s my opinion.”
Record Sport revealed last month that the Hoops were on alert for RB Salzburg misfit Bobby Clark, as he returns to Austria from his loan spell at Derby County.
Bobby Clark is in the middle of a loan spell with Derby County(Image: Getty Images)
Salzburg are expected to green light a cut-price departure for the former Liverpool starlet, and reports in Austria claim Clark has “sparked interest” from new sporting director Marcus Mann.
He is keen to cut the club’s wage bill, viewing the 21-year-old’s permanent departure as a way to slash expenses before spending in the summer.
But if O’Neill is to land the player as one of his first signings he faces a battle.
The Derby Telegraph state “at least half-a-dozen clubs” are “keen” on the playmaker.
Clark is under contract with the Salzburg for another three seasons, and West Ham are now credited with an interest following Premier League relegation.
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