Sources: Martin O’Neill to block Celtic star leaving after ‘£11m’ offer
Martin O’Neill has no plans to let Sebastian Tounekti leave Celtic in the latter stages of the January window despite reported interest in his services from Hamburg.
Celtic signed Tunisian winger Tounekti from Hammarby on deadline day of the summer window for £5.5million to bolster their attacking ranks.
The 23-year-old has shown glimpses of his talent in the months since, but has struggled to contribute in the final third with three goals and no assists in 25 appearances so far.
Football Insider revealed in November that Leeds were plotting a move for Tounekti after a decent start to life at Parkhead.
Interest in his signature has remained despite his recent drop-off in form, but as I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Transfer Insider podcast, Hoops boss O’Neill is set to block any potential exit route in the last few days of this window.
Celtic to keep Tounekti despite big Hamburg bid
A new report from Africa Foot claims that German club Hamburg have seen two separate bids worth £9.5m and £11.2m for Tounekti’s services rejected by Celtic in the last few days.
The 23-year-old is viewed as a real asset for the future at Parkhead, and even though he has not contributed to a league goal since 29 October, the Hoops will not be selling him before next Monday’s deadline.
Speaking on the Transfer Insider podcast, I explained: “I think Martin O’Neill has been quite adamant that he wants to add to the squad, not weaken it.
“Tounekti came in and had a bright start at Celtic, then obviously his form has dipped and he’s maybe not been as regular a starter as he would have hoped to be.
“Celtic right now are so thin in the attacking areas that they probably can’t afford to let Tounekti go, and I think he will have a role to play for Celtic between now and the end of the season if they are to have any chance of winning the title or progressing in Europe.
“They’re going to have to keep hold of Tounekti, and I don’t think he’s a fringe player that Martin O’Neill would be willing to let move on just now.“
Celtic set to be beaten in Jesurun Rak-Sakyi transfer race
Celtic have been targeting numerous new forward signings throughout this month, with Crystal Palace’s Rak-Sakyi heavily linked with a move to Parkhead.
The 23-year-old scored seven goals in 36 games for Sheffield United last season, while he has netted four in 13 on loan at Turkish Super Lig side Rizespor in the first half of this campaign.
Football Insider have revealed that Celtic are chasing Rak-Sakyi’s signature to add to their wing options alongside Tounekti.
Stoke City have been leading the race for Rak-Sakyi ahead of the Hoops, as also revealed by Football Insider, and new reports have now emerged claiming that the Championship side are set to sign him on loan with an obligation-to-buy.