Celtic’s January transfer priorities couldn’t be more obvious.
Even Martin O’Neill can’t hide it – the Hoops need a striker. They are on the hunt for one in the third straight transfer window.
In the previous two, Celtic have lost Adam Idah and Kyogo Furuhashi respectively. That pair had contributed 60 goals over the last two seasons.
Kelechi Iheanacho was expected to carry the can when Celtic signed him in the summer. This would be an unrealistic expectation for any striker – but the Nigerian’s fitness problems have put even more limitations on his contribution.
A fair few names have been mentioned for the Celts’ search this month, but one option closer to home is a particularly compelling suggestion.
Do you agree with Callum’s predicted XI for the Falkirk game?
Hibs hero on Kieron Bowie to Celtic
Hibs striker Kieron Bowie has been subject to enquiries from both Celtic and Rangers this January, with the Easter Road side reportedly valuing him at above £6 million.
The 23-year-old has impressed with his all-round game this season, earning two Scotland caps.
READ MORE: Celtic ‘watched’ Belgian Pro League winger also being chased by Rangers
Debate has surrounded whether Bowie is ready to handle the step up to the Celts, but Hibs hero Marvin Bartley has absolutely no doubt.
He said on Clyde Superscoreboard: “I think if he went to Celtic Football Club now, he would start.
“Maeda would go back wide – I know he started up front at the weekend, but he would start ahead of Kenny and Iheanacho has always had his injury problems.
“There is no doubt about the quality he possesses but keeping him fit has always been a difficult thing throughout his career.
“So, to bring someone in like Bowie – I don’t think he will cost as much as people might think.
“Because when Celtic knock at the door for a player – and listen, I’m a Hibs supporter but I understand there is a pecking order in football – so when one of the big two do come for one of your players, a player is going to want to go.
“I think a player like Bowie would go into Celtic and improve their frontline at this moment in time, in terms of being an out and out number nine, and I think he would put away a lot of those chances that we have seen other strikers miss.”
Kieron Bowie to Celtic… yes or no?
Other strikers being linked with Celtic
O’Neill has quashed rumours of a Kyogo return, describing a move as ‘unlikely’ and revealing that the player wants to prove himself at Birmingham.
A similar pattern unfolded with Ivorian striker Ibrahim Diabate – Celtic were reportedly ‘leading the race’ for him, but Swedish sources have insisted that there has been no contact between the clubs.
Mohamed Bamba is the latest Celtic target, with reports emerging of a loan-to-buy bid being launched. Another Ivorian striker, Bamba plays for Lorient in France.
Many are also tipping Callum Wilson for a move to Celtic, but this one hasn’t gotten off the ground just yet
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