Time is ticking for Celtic to bring in some much-needed fresh faces to help Martin O’Neill in his title push.
Celtic have seen the saga around winger Jocelin Ta Bi, as the Hoops aim to bolster their blunt and underperforming forward line.
But now, another name has emerged on Celtic’s transfer radar, and that’s Basel winger Philip Otele.
Ben Jacobs dropped the transfer news on Wednesday, as several clubs are keen on the Nigerian winger, including the champions of Scotland.
You have £20m to spend in the January transfer window. How are you spending it?
Celtic enquire about Basel winger Philip Otele
Otele is in the Europa League alongside Celtic, and he recently competed against Aston Villa, playing 85 minutes and watching his Basel side lose 2-1.
The interesting thing with the 26-year-old is that Jacobs has stated on social media that the player is ‘set to leave’ the Swiss side during the January transfer window.
But if the Hoops push for the player’s signature, then they face competition because Birmingham City, Wolves, and Lazio are also keen.
Jacobs also explained that Basel have ‘reduced their asking price’, and Otele is now available for a transfer fee ‘in excess of €7m’, which is just over £6m.
‘Exclusive: Philip Otele set to leave Basel this winter,’ wrote Jacobs.
‘Understand Basel have reduced their asking price and will consider offers in excess of €7m. Birmingham City remain interested. Wolves also have Otele as one of several names on their list.
‘Lazio, Celtic and Bournemouth three other clubs to enquire. Otele has 13 goal contributions this season and was close to joining Fulham last summer.’
Otele’s Basel record in numbers
One thing that needs to be noted is that Otele has been a regular for Basel this season and only moved to Switzerland last January.
During that period, Otele, who operates as a left-sided winger, has racked up 51 appearances, including 30 in all competitions this season.
- Otele’s games this season: 30
- Starts: 25
- Goals: 8
- Assists: 3
- Otele’s overall games for Basel: 51
- Starts: 40
- Goals: 17
- Assists: 7
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