Celtic remain in pursuit of the Scottish Premiership title under Martin O’Neill and may now have identified the Irishman’s long-term replacement.
Celtic continue to dither in the January transfer window
Despite trailing Heart of Midlothian in the race for the title, Julian Araujo remains the Hoops’ only piece of incoming business during the transfer window as supporters are made to wait for reinforcements to arrive.
Maccabi Netanya winger Jocelin Ta Bi was set to join Celtic before his deal collapsed due to injury, leaving the Hoops to seek out alternative targets in the wide areas.
This search has led to Red Bull Bragantino star Ignacio Laquintana, who is now in talks with the Glasgow club over a possible loan move to the Bhoys for the remainder of the season that may include an option to buy.
Above all, Celtic’s long-winded search for a striker has been a source of major frustration for everyone involved, though reports suggest the Hoops have submitted a loan-to-buy offer for Lorient forward Mohamed Bamba.
Callum Wilson is another known target as he nears an agreement to leave West Ham United on a free transfer, though it remains to be seen whether he wants to move north of the border to participate in their title charge.
Stephen Welsh has been recalled from Motherwell to help O’Neill’s dwindling numbers from a defensive standpoint, and the Irishman will feel he needs another face or two within his backline to provide cover in the face of any potential injury concerns.
Either way, everything feels a little short-term right now at Celtic, though there has now been an indication over who their next permanent manager will be moving forward next season.
Celtic could approach Roberto Martinez amid Shaun Maloney alliance
According to Football Insider, Celtic could wait until after the World Cup to approach Portugal manager Roberto Martinez about taking over as the next permanent boss of the Scottish Premiership holders.
Retaining a key alliance with Hoops coach Shaun Maloney, who he has previously worked with him in charge of Belgium and as a player while Maloney was at Wigan Athletic.
He wants to join: Celtic in talks to sign new winger who's better than Ta Bi
Celtic are reportedly in talks to sign a forward who would be an even better signing than Jocelin Ta Bi.
ByDan Emery
Celtic are willing to wait until Martinez’s contract with Portugal expires after the World Cup in the hope that he may seek a return to club football after ten years in the international sphere.
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Winning 27 of his 36 matches in charge of the nation, Martinez is clearly someone with plenty of experience and know-how in getting results.
Nevertheless, the 4-3-3 manager hasn’t managed at club level since his days at Everton and would need to get back in a routine of wall-to-wall matches as opposed to having months in advance to prepare.