Sources: Celtic ‘working overtime’ to agree ‘top-class’ signing
Martin O’Neill is working closely with the Celtic recruitment team this month as they accelerate plans to bolster his squad with “top-class” signings.
O’Neill was appointed to replace Wilfried Nancy amid what has been a turbulent season, and they are aware they need to add players to get their plans back on track.
As I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, work has already begun to identify players in key positions in what could prove to be a crucial transfer window for the makeup of the Hoops’ season.
Following Celtic’s 4-0 win against Dundee United last time out, they closed the gap to league leaders Hearts to just three points, albeit with a game in hand.
However, there is a feeling that they could miss out on the league title, with Rangers also closing the gap, if they do not strengthen adequately.
Celtic working overtime to sign ‘top-class’ stars
Football Insider revealed on 9 January that O’Neill wants to sign two new players, a midfielder and a striker, to address his side’s problem positions this month.
Having already completed the loan signing of Julian Araujo this month, the interim boss is determined to fill some vital gaps in his squad.
As a result, the recruitment team have already begun working on new additions and they hope to close the gap to Hearts at the top of the league.
Speaking on the Inside Track podcast, I explained: “The recruitment team at Celtic are working overtime to try and bring in fresh blood to try and inject some impetus into that Celtic team right now.
“He [O’Neill] will be hoping that he will get the backing from the board.
“They obviously have come in for bit of criticism from fans for not putting their hands in the pockets and making too many signings for Celtic.
“So yeah, it’s a huge window for Celtic.
“They need to make signings and some top class signings as well just to improve that squad if they are to have any chance of catching hearts at the top of the table.”
Martin O’Neill makes new Celtic transfer plan
O’Neill has taken charge until the end of the season after Celtic sacked Wilfried Nancy, but they are then expected to assess alternative targets.
In the meantime, he is keen to bolster his squad to ensure a successful end to the season, with the squad currently weakened by injuries and previous departures.
Injuries to Kelechi Iheanacho and Cameron Carter-Vickers will force Celtic to be active in the transfer market, while there are concerns they still have not replaced Kyogo Furuhashi.
Football Insider first revealed in September that Celtic would not act rashly in January, and the changes in manager since then have done little to alter those plans.
However, there is a growing feeling since O’Neill‘s appointment that reinforcements are needed if they are to remain competitive in the title race.
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