Celtic have been dealt a blow in their bid to sign Callum Wilson.
The nine-time England international is one of many strikers to have been linked with a move to the Hoops this month, as Martin O’Neill works overtime on his January window.
Celtic sent an official enquiry for Wilson on Thursday, after several pundits had identified him as an ideal solution for the short-term striker problem.
Wilson is expected to leave West Ham on a free transfer imminently, despite only joining the club in the summer.
And new reports have dropped a big hint on where his desired move would be.
I am choosing Callum Wilson/Kyogo Furuhashi because…
Callum Wilson to Celtic update
Former Bournemouth and Newcastle goalscorer Wilson certainly isn’t a project player at age 33.
He has made 17 Premier League appearances this season, however, despite concerns over his fitness.
READ MORE: Hibs hero says he ‘knows’ what Kieron Bowie is thinking about Celtic interest
He is understandably set to draw interest, therefore, should he be given a free transfer by the Hammers.
And according to Mike McGrath of The Telegraph, Wilson could travel to the Middle East next week, as talks over a termination continue.
McGrath says that Saudi Arabian club Al-Shabab are to offer Wilson a deal, but there is interest from other clubs in Saudi and the UAE.
The report says that Premier League clubs are interested in Wilson, but the striker is set to ‘explore’ a foreign move.
There is more chance of Celtic winning the Europa League this season than the club competing with the riches of Saudi Arabia – so if Wilson is demanding big bucks, the Hoops are out of the race.
O’Neill may have a lot of convincing to do if he does want to bring the forward to Glasgow; it looks like we’re back to the drawing board… again.
I am choosing Callum Wilson/Kyogo Furuhashi because…
West Ham boss Nuno Espirito Santo on Celtic target Callum Wilson
Speaking at his press conference on Saturday, Hammers boss Nuno Espirito Santo seemed to leave the door open for Wilson to leave.
He said: “We are working on ins and outs.
“I feel that we need to rebalance our squad and bring in more options for some positions and also find the best solutions for the players who are not having minutes, to go and proceed with their careers.”
West Ham have signed two strikers already in January, in the shape of Taty Castellanos and Pablo Felipe. Must be nice.
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