Charlie Nicholas has outlined his preferred Celtic targets

By David Walton

January 4, 2019

Charlie Nicholas has outlined several key targets he feels Celtic should go for in January, but would they interest you?

The former Hoops striker is often a voice of frustration for Celtic fans. Many in the support feel that he comes across as overly-negative in a bid to pander to the English media.

He infamously hinted at the start of the season that Celtic should’ve been embarrassed for doing a lap of honour after beating Rangers. This was despite the fact the club had been going through a bit of a mini-crisis.

Divock Origi is one of a number of players that Celtic should target, according to Charlie Nicholas (Andrew Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)

Yet, as we close in on January, he’s been quick to give an opinion on signing targets. Speaking in his column in the Daily Star, Nicholas didn’t hold back with his suggestions – particularly going forward.

“I’d look at Liverpool’s Divock Origi. He has quality as he showed recently in the Champions League clash with Napoli. The Belgian isn’t getting a regular game so why not go and ask the question?

“Brendan could try to get Jermain Defoe in from Bournemouth or Christian Benteke from Crystal Palace.

“I would also target a keeper. I would look at Freddie Woodman at Newcastle United. He has been up here at Kilmarnock and Aberdeen and he has real potential.”

A total of seven suggestions from Nicholas

These are just several of the players Nicholas suggests that Celtic target. Others include Gary Cahill from Chelsea, Kevin Mbabu from Young Boys, and Ezri Konsa from Brentford. Defoe, meanwhile, has just signed for Rangers. Those four won’t be targeted.

Celtic have to focus on the striker situation heading into January first and foremost. The Hoops have several gaps they need to fill, but the forward areas are the most pertinent.

Origi is an interesting call from Nicholas. The Liverpool forward has appeared just three times this season, and is in need of regular game-time. He would prove to be a hit up here, but would only likely be around on a six-month loan deal.

With Jurgen Klopp already happy to let Dominic Solanke head off on loan, it’s highly-unlikely he’ll also allow Origi to leave.

Jermaine Defoe is out of the equation after signing for Rangers (Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images)

The other option, Benteke, is another of the interesting but highly unlikely variety.

He’s made just four Palace appearances this season, but wages will be a huge problem here. He’s on a reported £120k-per-week at Palace. Celtic couldn’t match anything like that, and he would have even more tempting offers on the continent.

But would either of the two interest you? Or perhaps some of Nicholas’ other suggestions?

It’s going to be a huge January for Celtic, and money has to be spent. But just who should it be splashed out on?