Martin O’Neill is probably sick of speaking about transfers already.
Before we know it, the Celtic boss will be talking about driving a Honda Civic like a Ferrari.
It’s just that the need for a striker is so obvious that journalists wouldn’t be doing their jobs if they didn’t ask O’Neill about it.
Kyogo Furuhashi was the topic last week, but this time around, attention has turned to West Ham striker Callum Wilson.
And when asked about the former England international ahead of this weekend’s clash with Auchinleck Talbot, O’Neill didn’t give a massively encouraging answer…
Callum Wilson at Celtic… yes or no?
Martin O’Neill on Celtic-linked Callum Wilson
Wilson is reportedly set to travel to the Middle East to speak to clubs there, immediately casting doubt over a potential move to Celtic.
Nevertheless, it has also been reported that the Hoops have enquired about the 33-year-old.
READ MORE: Celtic’s move to sign Jocelin Ta Bi ‘hijacked’ by Sunderland, Fabrizio Romano confirms
Speaking ahead of the David vs Goliath Scottish Cup tie, O’Neill was firstly asked about Wilson in particular.
He said: “I can’t tell you anything. For want of telling you, it’s news to me.
“But we are in search of those elusive goalscorers. But we’re not the only team as well.
“On a serious note, I can’t tell you anything about it. Is it becoming my favourite phrase? We are making progress. I bet you just turned off the microphone.!
“I hadn’t thought about [Wilson]. Not that he’s not a very, very fine player, but I thought that he was going elsewhere.”
Asked if they were any close in transfers in general, the interim Hoops boss said: “Remarkably, I think we are.
“We’re definitely a bit closer. I dread these interviews. I really do I dread the questions coming up. I can’t wait until the 2nd or 3rd of February.”
“To me, it’s essential [that business is quick]. Absolutely essential. I think we know that.
“Obviously, we can’t change the squad around for the Bologna game. But all next week, we would like to have some people in for Hearts, if it was at all possible.”
The Hearts clash is the next league outing for O’Neill’s side; the closest Celtic have had to a ‘must-win’ fixture all season.
I am choosing Callum Wilson/Kyogo Furuhashi because…
Celtic’s striker links
Wilson is far from the only striker to have been linked with a move to Celtic Park this month… unsurprisingly, there’s been loads.
Ivorian trio Ibrahim Diabate, Mohamed Bamba and David Datro Fofana – of GAIS, Lorient and Chelsea respectively – are all reportedly of interest.
Franko Kovacevic has had a €5 million price tag put on him by NK Celje with Celtic in the race. It looks like Andrej Ilic won’t be coming to Glasgow, however.
Celtic have enquired about Kieron Bowie, but with Hibs demanding at least £6.5 million, it remains to be seen if a deal is pursued.
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