Martin O'Neill smiling in suit on pitch
Celtic boss Martin O'NeillImago
Celtic

Celtic set sights on signing ‘electric’ World Cup standout as Martin O’Neill priority revealed

Pete O'Rourke, Transfer Correspondent
Pete O'Rourke, Transfer Correspondent

Transfer Correspondent AUTHORITY Former Sky Sports and ESPN FC correspondent who specialises in global recruitment, contract negotiations, and high-velocity transfer breaking news. FOCUS Exclusive reporting, domestic and international transfer markets, and elite-level insights. THE INSIGHT Pete utilises a Global Network of Industry Sources to deliver verified, first-to-market reporting. His “Deep-Lens” analysis connects the dots between boardroom strategy and pitch-level recruitment, providing a level of transfer clarity that goes beyond surface-level rumours.

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Celtic remain keen on signing Egypt World Cup star Haissem Hassan despite Real Oviedo rejecting their first bid for his services, sources have told Football Insider.

The Hoops need to add some quality to their attacking ranks this summer to stay ahead of Hearts and Rangers in the Premiership title race next season.

Martin O'Neill has confirmed that the club are closing in on signing Camilo Duran, but that will only be the start of their extensive transfer business.

Real Oviedo winger Hassan drew worldwide praise for the way he broke down a usually stern Argentina defence in their World Cup round of 16 clash on Tuesday.

Reports in Spain have claimed that Celtic have seen a £3.5million bid to sign him rejected, but as I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider's Transfer Insider podcast, they are set to return with another approach.

Hassan has a release clause set at £10m after Oviedo's relegation from La Liga, but the Hoops are not expected to offer close to that figure.

Haissem Hassan on Celtic's radar after excelling at the World Cup

Hassan notched an assist in Egypt's dramatic 3-2 loss to Argentina, while he saw another taken away from him for a controversial foul in the build-up to the goal.

The 24-year-old registered three assists in 38 appearances last season, and is primarily used as a left-footed right winger.

Speaking on the Transfer Insider podcast, I explained: "I think we know that Martin O’Neill is keen to bring in another wide player this summer and Hassan is the latest player to be linked with the move to Celtic Park.

"He was electric for Egypt at the World Cup and was outstanding in that game against Argentina, which really bought him to the fore."

Martin O'Neill smiling in suit on pitch
Daizen Maeda to quit Celtic and join new club - Source
Martin O'Neill smiling in suit on pitch
Martin O'Neill to sanction Daizen Maeda transfer as Celtic deal with year-long issue

What is the latest on Daizen Maeda's future at Celtic?

Sources have exclusively revealed to Football Insider that Maeda will leave Celtic soon, as O'Neill wants him to leave so that he can reinvest the funds garnered back into his squad.

The Japan international bagged at the World Cup against Sweden after firing the Hoops to Premiership glory last season.

He has publicly admitted that he sees his future away from Parkhead and would like to join a Premier League club.

Everton and Nottingham Forest have both been linked with a move for the 28-year-old in the last week.

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