Celtic explored a deal for Tiemoue Bakayoko as well as Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, it is being reported.
After strengthening his defensive line and front three during the January transfer window, Martin O’Neill turned his attention to the Hoops’ midfield.
Celtic currently have six midfielders in their squad, theoretically providing cover for every position. The club reportedly rejected an approach from Denmark for Paulo Bernardo during the window.
However, a recognised defensive midfielder has been absent from the squad for several years, with the role seemingly being exclusively occupied by Callum McGregor.
O’Neill has evidently been keen to address this, hence his pursuit of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.
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According to Sky Sports’ Anthony Joseph, a deal for Bakayoko was ‘explored’ before the club pushed for Oxlade-Chamberlain.
That move looks likely to happen, but if it doesn’t Bakayoko could be reconsidered.
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31-year-old Bakayoko was a star of Monaco’s Ligue 1-winning squad of 2016-17 which also reached the semi-finals of the Champions League.
Kylian Mbappe, Radamel Falcao and Bernardo Silva were among his teammates in that side. After earning a call-up for France during that campaign, he earned a £40m move to Chelsea.
His performances at Stamford Bridge were a serious disappointment, leading to loan spells at AC Milan, Napoli and back at Monaco which weren’t much better.
After returning to Milan for an injury-ravaged two years, he was released by Chelsea and joined Lorient for a year.
Most recently, he played for PAOK in Greece, but he hasn’t played a minute of football for over a year. Comparing his current position to Oxlade-Chamberlain’s is like chalk and cheese.
The Englishman, for comparison, made 50 appearances at Besiktas over two years, and has been keeping himself fit by training at Arsenal.
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Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain speaking before his Celtic move
Speaking to Ben Foster’s Fozcast a few months ago, Oxlade-Chamberlain outlined his current position as a free agent.
He said: “It’s different. It’s not a nice situation for any footballer to be in, but I’m fortunate enough were I’ve put myself in the situation where I can choose what’s best for me.
“I’ve said no to things. There’s more in play now – family, children… can be a bit more selective. But ultimately the whole thing is you want to get back playing and going again as soon as possible.
“Basically, yeah [I’m just waiting for a phone call.] There’s obviously stuff you can do to be proactive yourself and maybe find opportunities, or let people know you’d be open to opportunities.
“But ultimately, you’re sat there and it’s out of your control, right? You’re sat waiting for a call; for a team to decide they need you, or you can bring value.
“Yeah, [I’ve had offers], but the majority of them have been Europe, away from home. And for me, I did two years away, which I found difficult on a family level.
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