Celtic are now believed to be racing Premier League side Crystal Palace for one of Ireland’s most exciting prodigies, with Martin O’Neill desperate to seal January reinforcements.
Celtic are believed to be actively pursuing multiple targets as O’Neill attempts to close the gap on Scottish Premiership leaders Hearts.
The Hoops currently sit second in the table, six points behind their Edinburgh rivals, with O’Neill emphasizing the urgent need for fresh faces to bolster his depleted squad.
Recent reports suggest Celtic are prioritizing attacking reinforcements, with two right-wingers and two strikers identified as clear targets before the window closes.
The club have made enquiries for Basel winger Philip Otele, who has 13 goal contributions this season, while Slovenian striker Franko Kovacevic from NK Celje has also emerged as a serious target after netting 25 goals in all competitions.
So far, Celtic’s only confirmed business has been securing Bournemouth right-back Julian Araujo on a season-long loan.
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The Bhoys are aiming to recruit a number nine this month.
The lack of additional signings has frustrated supporters, particularly given the team’s concerning goalscoring record this campaign. Celtic have netted just 39 times in 22 league matches, compared to 61 at the same stage last season.
O’Neill, who returned for his third stint as Celtic manager following Wilfried Nancy’s dismissal, has been forthright about the squad’s requirements.
“I need players, if we can, who are ready to go,” he said before ​​​​​last weekend’s match against Dundee United.
“I need players to be ready. My job is to aim for that. I am selfish, I need people in to go now.”
However, following Wednesday’s laboured 1-0 victory over Falkirk, O’Neill appealed for patience from supporters.
“We’re making progress on things and certainly by the end of the window we should have some players to supplement this squad,” he told BBC Scotland.
The 73-year-old acknowledged the complexity of January recruitment, admitting he hadn’t anticipated returning to management and therefore needed time to assess targets.
O’Neill confirmed that the club will definitely make signings in the next 15 days, noting that the priority is a striker, offering hope to Celtic fans eager to see their side mount a serious title challenge.
Interestingly, new forwards may not be the only item on their agenda.
Celtic battling Crystal Palace for Dundalk sensation Vinnie Leonard
According to Football Insider and journalist Pete O’Rourke, Celtic are locked in a four-way battle for Dundalk teenage sensation Vinnie Leonard, with Crystal Palace, Brighton and Norwich City all registering their interest in the 17-year-old this month.
The Irish centre-back has emerged as one of his country’s ‘best young prospects’ after playing a pivotal role in Dundalk’s promotion campaign last season.
Leonard made 34 senior league appearances in the Irish second tier, contributing five goal involvements, as his boyhood club secured an immediate return to the top flight.
His mature performances beyond his years have attracted serious attention from across Britain.
Palace and Brighton have been monitoring Leonard’s development for some time, while Championship side Norwich have also thrown their hat into the ring alongside the Scottish champions.
Leonard’s stock rose further when he represented the Republic of Ireland at their historic first Under-17 World Cup appearance in Qatar last November.
The tournament showcased his abilities on the international stage, cementing his reputation as one of Ireland’s brightest defensive talents in recent memory.
Dundalk are now bracing themselves for offers as the transfer window deadline approaches, with Dundalk boss Ciaran Kilduff calling Leonard a ‘special talent’.
Celtic’s interest demonstrates their commitment to securing future stars alongside their pursuit of immediate first-team reinforcements for O’Neill.
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The Bhoys are ready