Report: Neil Lennon has found his January transfer priority if he gets Celtic funds

By John McGinley

December 14, 2020

Celtic manager Neil Lennon will make QPR winger Bright Osayi-Samuel his January transfer window priority if funds are made available by the club board, The Scottish Mail on Sunday has reported (13/12 print edition, back page).

Lennon’s situation at Celtic Park is precarious at the moment but the board have pledged not to review his position until the new year.

If the manager successfully navigates the upcoming Scottish Cup final and an early January trip to Ibrox, there’s every chance he will be in position throughout the next transfer window.

If that’s the case, The Mail on Sunday report that Lennon will make Osayi-Samuel an urgent priority.

The paper reckons that, despite his contract expiring at the end of the season, the Hoops boss will push to complete a January deal for the 22-year-old.

It’s said that other teams are also monitoring the youngster’s situation, including Rangers, Crystal Palace and Club Brugge.

Sound familiar?

Celtic’s reported interest isn’t a new development. We were regularly linked with the QPR man throughout the prior transfer window too, as far back as September, suggesting there is some credibility in our admiration of the winger.

Osayi-Samuel is a player that possesses pace, power and quality on the ball.

He’s been a regular in the English Championship this term, scoring twice and assisting three times in 16 league appearances (Transfermarkt).

Celtic-linked Bright Osayi-Samuel / (Photo by Tom Dulat/Getty Images)

Celtic are in need of a winger, with James Forrest not expected back in the team until February and Mikey Johnston only just returning to action from the bench after 11 months out.

The Nigerian-born attacker may just be what we need to freshen up Neil Lennon’s attack.

In other news, Celtic Chief Executive Peter Lawwell has made a Champions League admission.