Martin O'Neill lines up new Celtic striker signing amid Kelechi Iheanacho uncertainty
Kelechi Iheanacho could stay at Celtic this summer as Martin O'Neill is concerned about the lack of physicality in his attacking ranks.
Iheanacho was key to Celtic's title charge last term but struggled with fitness and was kept out of the starting eleven by Daizen Maeda.
He bagged nine goals in 24 appearances for Celtic last term, with key winners against Hibernian and Motherwell after the Premiership split.
As I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider's Transfer Insider podcast, O'Neill is set to make a decision on Iheanacho's future as he weighs up his attacking options.
He is out of contract this summer but the Hoops hold an option to extend his deal by another year.
Iheanacho himself has expressed a desire to stay at Celtic beyond the summer, and O'Neill is set to decide whether to keep him before the end of this month.
Kelechi Iheanacho could stay at Celtic due to lack of physicality in attacking ranks
Sources have revealed to Football Insider that Celtic have concerns over Iheanacho's fitness following his maiden season at the club.
He started just four Premiership games throughout the campaign, and missed parts of the season with a hamstring problem.
Speaking on the Transfer Insider podcast, I explained: "I think Martin O'Neill is very keen to bring in a target man in this summer transfer window, he felt they were lacking that physicality upfront last season.
"With ongoing speculation over Daizen Maeda's future, if he leaves, then Celtic are pretty short in attacking areas. There’s still no decision made on Kelechi Iheanacho’s long-term future at Celtic Park."
What has Iheanacho said about his future at Celtic?
Iheanacho's quality in front of goal is undoubted, and the Hoops' striker options are lacking heading into next season under O'Neill.
With Maeda expected to move on, Johnny Kenny, Shin Yamada and Callum Osmand make up the centre-forwards contracted to the Glasgow giants.
While it remains to be seen if O'Neill decides to keep him on, Iheanacho has made it clear that he wants to stay at Parkhead for next term.
After scoring in last month's Scottish Cup final, he said: "It has been crazy, to be fair. I have done ten months, and I have won two trophies. I am happy, excited, so is my family, friends and everyone.
“I hope that at the start of (next) season, I am still a Celtic player. But we will leave that for everyone at the club to sort out.”