Celtic backed to complete Joel Piroe deal – ‘It could be done’
Celtic could face complications from the 49ers’ ownership of both Leeds and Rangers in their pursuit of Joel Piroe.
That is according to ex-Aberdeen, Aston Villa, and Everton chief executive Keith Wyness, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, who believes Piroe would be a good addition to Celtic‘s squad.
Leeds do not want to sell Piroe in the January transfer window, but the 26-year-old has found opportunities limited in the Premier League.
Celtic made an enquiry over a loan deal for Piroe, whilst rivals Rangers have also been linked with the forward.
Joel Piroe ‘exactly the type of player’ Celtic need
Aberdeen’s former chief Keith Wyness – who served as CEO at Pittodrie between 2000 and 2004, had lengthy spells as the chief of Everton and Aston Villa and now runs a football consultancy advising elite clubs – would sign Piroe over Celtic target David Datro Fofana.
Speaking on the new edition of Football Insider‘s Inside Track podcast, Wyness believes Celtic are “more likely” to sign Piroe over Fofana.
He told Football Insider‘s Inside Track podcast: “Well, yes, see this is exactly Joel Piroe is exactly the type of player I think suits the role more than Fofana. I think he was top scorer for Leeds in the Championship, or one of the top scorers certainly.
“And I think he’s actually ideal for the role. But this is where the football politics of the Old Firm, which are incredibly partisan, as we know, do come into play. I think though that it could be done. I think there could be a way through. There’s only been a couple of players that have crossed the park, so to speak, but I think it could be done.
“I think Piroe is exactly the type of player that O’Neill would be looking for. I think that fits the bill more than Fofana, as we said. There could be a way to get it done, and if Martin wants it then I think the fans would accept it. It’s whether the Rangers fans and Leeds fans would be happy, but I think they could also be looking for some other striker support themselves as we’ve discussed.
“So I think this could be a way for Leeds to get some money in, and I think everybody in Glasgow will eventually calm down, and I think it may well work out, but that’s the one that I think is more likely.”
Favourite revealed for Celtic position
It has emerged that Roberto Martinez is the front-runner to become the next Celtic manager when Martin O’Neill steps down at the end of the season.
Martinez’s contract as manager of the Portugal national team expires after the World Cup this summer, meaning the 52-year-old could be made available.
Celtic will not be short of options for the managerial position, but Martinez would be seen as a coup by the board.