Celtic have set their sights on a Serie A star as they plan to solve what has become a major concern for interim manager Martin O’Neill.
Celtic potentially set for busy end to January window
The Hoops’ transfer activity remains fairly limited as the January deadline approaches, with O’Neill’s public pleas for reinforcements only partially answered at boardroom level.
Celtic have secured two additions this month, Bournemouth full-back Julian Araujo and Borussia Mönchengladbach striker Tomas Cvancara, with both arriving on loan until the end of the season.
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They’re currently weighing up the proposal.
The latter joins with an option to buy, reportedly set at around £7 million, offering Celtic a different attacking dimension after scoring eight goals across two Bundesliga seasons.
However, with title rivals Hearts and Rangers strengthening, Celtic’s limited ambition has drawn criticism from supporters questioning whether two loan signings suffice for their domestic and European aspirations.
O’Neill has identified further additions as essential, previously describing new signings as “absolutely essential” ahead of crucial fixtures.
However, concrete progress beyond Cvancara remains elusive, despite the manager’s warnings throughout January.
Domestic targets have proven complicated. Motherwell winger Tawanda Maswanhise attracted Celtic’s attention after O’Neill and assistant Mark Fotheringham watched him score against Ross County.
The 23-year-old Zimbabwe international has netted 16 goals across all competitions this season, demonstrating the quality that Celtic desperately need in wide positions.
However, Motherwell manager Jens Berthel Askou has firmly rejected any January departure, stating the club are “under no pressure” to sell following Lennon Miller’s summer transfer.
He confirmed there are “no negotiations with anyone” regarding Maswanhise, with Celtic forced to turn to alternatives.
Crystal Palace winger Jerusun Rak-Sakyi was subject to an offer from Celtic recently, but the Glasgow giants face stiff competition from Championship sides like Stoke City.
Celtic’s interest has also extended to Bodo/Glimt striker Kasper Høgh, who impressed with two goals against Man City in the Champions League last week.
Reports suggest Celtic face competition from Norwich, who have submitted an £8 million package for the Norwegian forward. Høgh will delay any decision until after Bodo’s crucial Champions League tie against Atlético Madrid this evening.
O’Neill’s side will continue being linked with a host of names as the Monday deadline approaches, with Lecce stalwart Antonino Gallo the latest name on Celtic’s radar.
Celtic eye move for Antonino Gallo amid Martin O’Neill headache
That is according to journalist Pete O’Rourke, who told Football Insider that Celtic have identified Gallo as a potential reinforcement for their vulnerable left-back position, with Sunderland providing competition for the Italian’s signature.
The 26-year-old has established himself as a consistent performer in Serie A, accumulating 175 appearances for Lecce with one goal and 10 assists across all competitions.
His availability has attracted attention from clubs across Europe seeking experienced full-back options.
O’Neill’s interest stems from legitimate concerns surrounding depth at left-back.
Kieran Tierney remains Celtic’s only natural option in the position after Marcelo Saracchi’s loan spell from Boca Juniors has been devastated by injuries, limiting the Argentine to just eight Scottish Premiership appearances this season.
Tierney’s own extensive injury history compounds Celtic’s vulnerability.
The 27-year-old’s fitness record throughout his career suggests relying solely on him through the campaign’s final months carries significant risk, particularly with Celtic competing across multiple fronts.
Gallo would provide experienced cover and tactical flexibility, offering O’Neill genuine competition for the left-back berth.
His Serie A know-how and presence as an ‘important‘ mainstay for Lecce emphasises why Celtic have become keen, and he’s exactly the type of player who could really shore up their backline.
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Martin O’Neill isn’t done in the market just yet.