Marcelo Saracchi 'talking up' Celtic move after definitive call

Celtic have no plans to reignite a move for Marcelo Saracchi in any upcoming transfer windows, despite the player being keen to return, sources have told Football Insider.

The former Bhoys loanee recently admitted that both he and Martin O'Neill wanted to secure a permanent deal in the summer, but the club hierarchy ultimately made the call to block the move.

The 28-year-old is now in the MLS with Houston Dynamo, and Celtic have effectively drawn a line under their pursuit of the left-back.

Sources say that the Glasgow giants are not "actively planning" to try and tempt him back to Parkhead in the coming years, despite the player "talking up" his previous desire to join permanently.

The Uruguayan made 27 appearances for Celtic during his loan spell from Boca Juniors last season, and quickly became a fans' favourite.

O'Neill was also a huge fan of Saracchi, but his push to bring him back was ultimately overruled.

Martin O'Neill happy with defensive depth

Football Insider revealed on Monday that Celtic will not prioritise the addition of a new centre-back in January, despite their backline looking shaky in recent weeks.

O'Neill opted to switch to a back three formation for the recent defeat to Rangers, even though he only has four senior centre-backs in his squad.

However, it is understood that it was merely a temporary change for that specific game, with the veteran boss likely to return to his favoured 4-2-3-1 shape for this weekend's trip to Motherwell.

With Celtic's squad built in view of a back four system, O'Neill is understood to be happy with the level of depth at his disposal across all defensive positions.

Rather than focusing on that area of the pitch during the January window, he is instead expected to guide the recruitment team towards attacking additions.

Celtic urged to transform transfer plan with earlier signings

Former Aberdeen chief executive Keith Wyness recently told Football Insider that Celtic must start spending their money earlier in the summer if they want to truly hammer home their advantage in Scottish football.

The Bhoys are the Premiership's most profitable club by far, but have continually failed to reach the Champions League in recent years.

Wyness believes that greater forward planning holds the key to them unlocking further success in Europe, and in turn, driving the Scottish co-efficient back to where it once was.

However, the former boardroom man also noted that it may ultimately take a change at the very top of the club for the change of strategy to actually happen.