Celtic’s January transfer window is bound to be decisive in Wilfried Nancy’s first season.
With the title race wide open, the winter window is one last chance for Celtic to take decisive action in what has been a chaotic season so far.
Brendan Rodgers’ unhappy reaction to the summer transfer window eventually led to his departure, and the last thing that Hoops fans want is a feeling of deja vu next month.
Nancy has multiple clear gaps in a squad which is currently ravaged by injuries – and he may look abroad to fill these with players he knows from MLS.
But closer to home, two more-than capable players are generating interest south of the border.
Should Celtic sign Kieron Bowie from Hibernian in January?
Celtic should take notice of Premier League interest in SPFL duo
Celtic have a mixed relationship with the Scottish market.
For every Stuart Armstrong, there’s a Jack Hendry.
READ MORE: Wilfried Nancy ‘keen’ to reunite with Diego Rossi at Celtic, Scottish media confirm
But in our most recent example – Luke McCowan – we were reminded of the value that exists elsewhere in Scottish football, if you go for the right ones.
Right now, Hibs have two homegrown players generating interest from the Premier League. Celtic could do with them both.
Josh Mulligan has been a revelation since moving to Easter Road in the summer, playing both wide and centrally.
Leeds and Nottingham Forest are interested in Mulligan, and Celtic have recently been linked too. There is a John McGinn feel to the midfielder… hopefully, it doesn’t pan out the same way.
Also generating interest at Easter Road is Kieron Bowie.
He scored in Saturday’s Edinburgh Derby at Easter Road, and goals are something that Celtic could do with. Strong and tidy with the ball, Bowie has been linked with Wolves.
His skillset suits Nancy’s system, and at 23 years old, there is plenty of room for growth.
In both Bowie and Mulligan, Celtic’s best signing options could be right on their doorstep.
Would you be in favour of Celtic moving for Josh Mulligan?
Wilfried Nancy on Celtic transfer priority
Speaking after Saturday’s 4-2 win over Livingston, Nancy discussed the attributes he prioritises when signing players.
The Hoops boss said: “For me personality is key. We have a lot of ability in terms of the way we play.
“But it is important when you sign players that they need to have that personality.
“This is a big club. To play here is not always easy. So it is so important to have players who can play here at a club like this.
“When I talk about personalities, it’s not only about being vocal either. It’s about having the right attitude when things are difficult.
“This means when we attack, can we keep showing ourselves for each other, can we still press or can we defend like crazy in the moment?
“It’s more about the attitude for me. This is what I am looking for.”
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