Celtic’s striker search has entered a third week of the January transfer window.
Martin O’Neill, Michael Nicholson and other key staff reportedly held a transfer summit on Monday, as time runs out to equip the squad for a title race.
After Sunday’s 2-0 win over Auchinleck Talbot, the Hoops are embarking on a seismic week. It starts on Thursday in Italy against Bologna.
Any result there would be more than welcome – but Sunday’s top-of-the-table clash with Hearts is as seismic a fixture as you’ll see this season.
O’Neill has said that getting a striker in before then would be ideal, but the days are getting fewer.
What would you say to Dermot Desmond about Celtic’s transfer model now?
Update on rumoured Celtic target Lorent Tolaj
Over the last 24 hours, rumours have emerged online that Plymouth Argyle striker Lorent Tolaj has emerged as an option for the Hoops in January.
24-year-old striker Tolaj is one of League One’s top scorers, having moved to Argyle from Port Vale in the summer.
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A product of the Brighton youth academy, Tolaj has mostly spent time in the EFL, including at Cambridge United and Salford City.
He also had a short spell at Dundee – in which he struggled to make an impact in Scotland’s second tier – and spent time at non-league Aldershot Town.
According to the Daily Record, however, Tolaj is not available for a January transfer and is off the market until the summer at the earliest.
That’s because he has already appeared for Port Vale this season before moving to Plymouth late in the summer transfer window.
This means that player eligibility rules stand in the way of a move. He cannot play for three different clubs in one season.
Rumours had put a £5 million price tag for Tolaj, who is a youth international for Switzerland, but his name has been crossed off the list for January.
Martin O’Neill on Celtic transfer question
Speaking after the Auchinleck Talbot, O’Neill left Neil Lennon in stitches with his response to being asked for a transfer update.
Asked by Michael Stewart if there was anything imminent, he said: “No, I don’t think so. I think we have a fair idea of what we need to do, Michael. We want to obviously try and get on with it.
“Well, you are right. I do dread this question. We are making some progress, and hopefully we will get the players in before the end of the season.
“I am only kidding.”
Do you agree with Neil Lennon?
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