Celtic are close to missing out on an Irish striker to Hoffenheim, according to Fabrizio Romano.
Adam Idah and Johnny Kenny have both featured up top for the Celts in recent years, with the latter earning praise from Martin O’Neill.
But with the involvement of Dermot Desmond, Celtic have always had an eye on the Irish market, particularly for young talents.
The Hoops pursued Mason Melia until he instead opted to join Tottenham, and they now look set to miss out on another teenager.
That teenager being Michael Noonan, whom Celtic have chased for a significant period.
Would you sell Johnny Kenny in January?
Celtic to miss out on Ireland starlet according to Fabrizio Romano
67 Hail Hail exclusively reported in November that Celtic were watching Noonan at the U-17 World Cup, alongside Ireland teammate Vinnie Leonard.
Weeks later, it was reported that Celtic were ‘optimistic’ of landing Noonan, despite interest from down south.
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According to Romano, the 17-year-old is now in ‘advanced talks’ to sign for Hoffenheim, despite Celtic presenting a bid in the last 24 hours.
Given the number of strikers on Celtic’s books, it would be fairly surprising to see a sought-after teenager join the club amid interest from elsewhere in Europe.
Noonan was chased by Manchester City in 2024 before opting to remain in Ireland by moving from St Patrick’s Athletic to Shamrock Rovers.
He became the youngest ever scorer in the UEFA Conference League with a goal against Molde almost a year ago.
He doesn’t turn 18 until July, making him unable to join a club outside of Ireland until next summer at the earliest.
And after having their move for Jocelin Ta Bi hijacked by Sunderland, the Hoops would have to perform a hijack of their own to prevent Noonan from joining Hoffenheim.
Is the Irish market ideal for Celtic?
Martin O’Neill on Celtic signing multiple strikers
Speaking at his press conference on Friday, O’Neill said that he ‘wouldn’t be against’ signing multiple strikers in January.
He said: “I wouldn’t disagree, absolutely.
“I wouldn’t disagree with that at all. Because, particularly if you’re able to get somebody of decent quality on loan, then at least it’s to the end of the season, it’s just that focus to them. No, I wouldn’t be against that.
“Of course [I’d consider all positions], yeah. I mean, there’s very little respite for us in terms of games. And if we did qualify for the final stages of the Europa League, I know it’s a knockout after that, then that would be difficult in itself.”
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