Celtic took their time in their search for a striker this January.
Despite Martin O’Neill making his desires absolutely clear, it wasn’t until the final ten days of the window that Tomas Cvancara was brought to Glasgow on loan from Borussia Monchengladbach.
The Czechia international was thrown straight in for Celtic’s 2-2 draw with Hearts, assisting Yang Hyun-Jun’s second equaliser.
The Hoops remain in the market for another centre forward, but one striker unlikely to be heading to Parkhead is Leeds United’s Joel Piroe.
Celtic made an enquiry for Piroe earlier this month, but the reasons why the deal didn’t progress were pretty obvious.
Do you expect any more departures from Celtic before the end of January?
Update on Joel Piroe after Celtic enquiry
Leeds are, of course, owned by 49ers Enterprises, who also completed a takeover of Rangers last year.
For the management group to strengthen the Ibrox side’s rivals in the midst of a title race would not make a lot of sense; 49ers chiefs were reportedly ‘surprised’ by the approach.
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But in a comical twist, they now could be strengthening Rangers themselves.
According to Sky Germany chief Florian Plettenberg, Piroe has become a ‘top candidate’ for Danny Rohl’s side, who are also in the market for a striker before the end of the month.
Plettenberg reports that a loan until the end of the season for Piroe is being discussed in the case that a deal for Hansa Rostock striker Ryan Naderi cannot be concluded.
It really is a laughable sequence of events. It almost feels like Celtic have put the idea in Leeds’ and Rangers’ heads. It wouldn’t surprise you.
Reports until now have said that Piroe wants to stay at Elland Road and fight for his place in the side, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Felix Nmecha currently ahead of him in the pecking order.
But with the loan potentially beneficial for both clubs, the Suriname international could well be persuaded to change his mind.
Piroe was prolific for the Whites in the Championship, moving there for £10 million after excelling for Russell Martin’s Swansea.
Where do Celtic still need to strengthen after signing Tomas Cvancara and Julian Araujo?
Martin O’Neill on Celtic transfers
Speaking about transfers ahead of Celtic’s Europa League clash with Utrecht, O’Neill said: “We need to strengthen the squad, that’s what we’re trying to do.
“Whether we have anyone in for Sunday, I don’t know. We are making strenuous efforts to improve the team.
“I think that we can do something. I know days are pressing, that’s very very obvious. I’m hopeful.”
He went on to indicate that qualifying for the later stages of the Europa League would make new signings even more of a necessity – though that should go without saying.
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