Celtic’s striker search has been the story of the January transfer window so far.
Martin O’Neill was made to wait, but the eventual signing of Tomas Cvancara immediately paid dividends in his debut against Hearts.
O’Neill has left the door open to signing another striker, however, and there are plenty still being linked. Kasper Hogh is the latest link this week.
But one of the main characters of the window has been Kieron Bowie. Celtic and Rangers have both been linked with the Hibs man, with his club valuing him at £6.5 million.
Despite interest in Scotland, however, things are starting to indicate that Bowie will be moving abroad.
With a week to go, rate Celtic’s transfer window so far out of 10…
Celtic target Kieron Bowie nears Hibs exit
No Celtic bid has been reported for Bowie, but the Hoops have reportedly asked to be made aware of his availability.
The links have led to debate over whether the club’s involvement in the Scottish market.
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But one country which does enjoy its involvement in the Scottish market is Italy, where a host of national team stars have moved in recent years.
It is now being widely reported that Hellas Verona have had a £5 million bid turned down for Bowie, but several more have come in from Italy since.
The clubs clearly believe that they can tempt Hibs into a sale before the end of the window, as they edge closer to the striker’s £6.5 million price tag.
Shin Yamada left Celtic on Tuesday, vacating another striker spot in O’Neill’s squad. The Celts’ interest in Bowie makes sense, given his position as a young Scottish striker with plenty of experience under his belt.
O’Neill has insisted that Cvancara is not a ‘target man’, and Bowie absolutely is. He may not be in the most prolific form, but his strength, lay-offs and hold-up play have also impressed.
Celtic have even received encouragement in the Scottish market regarding Bowie, from former Hibs player no less.
Kieron Bowie to Celtic… yes or no?
Hibs hero Marvin Bartley on Kieron Bowie Celtic links
Speaking on Clyde Superscoreboard, Hibs hero Marvin Bartley claimed that Bowie would want to go to Celtic if an offer arrived.
He said: “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.”
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