Time is running out for Celtic to get transfer deals over the line.
It’s a movie that fans have seen all too many times, but for Martin O’Neill, the need for reinforcements couldn’t be more clear.
Only Tomas Cvancara and Julian Araujo have been signed so far, both coming on loan. It’s fair to say that the club have left it late.
With the team in the midst of a title race, that’s a risky strategy… but not one that will be a surprise to many Hoops fans.
One man expected to move before the deadline is David Datro Fofana – and Celtic are one of many clubs in the race.
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Roberto Mancini’s interest in Celtic target David Datro Fofana
Contracted to Chelsea, Fofana rejected Celtic in the summer, with his move to Charlton collapsing before he eventually moved on loan to Fatih Karahumruk in the Turkish Super Lig.
The striker’s form in Turkey has led the Blues to recall him with a view to selling him permanently at a profit.
READ MORE: Joel Mvuka ‘set to join Celtic’ as Martin O’Neill finally closes in on winger
The problem for Chelsea is that everyone wants him on loan. Celtic are one of many clubs to have registered an interest in him this month.
Another is Qatari side Al-Sadd. Rudy Galetti reports that the club, managed by legendary boss Roberto Mancini, initially had a loan bid rejected for Fofana.
After Chelsea then insisted on a permanent deal, Al-Sadd made an offer which didn’t reach their valuation. The report affirms that Mancini ‘rates’ the striker.
Fofana has interest from all over the UK and Europe. It has been suggested that he could move to Strasbourg, who are essentially Chelsea’s feeder club.
He has reportedly had a £10 million price tag put on his head, causing Championship side Leicester City to drop out of the race.
And when you look at Fofana’s record and career, you have to say that it’s a hefty fee, even for an oil-rich Qatari side.
How many Celtic signings are you expecting on Deadline Day?
Martin O’Neill on Celtic transfers
In his most recent transfer address, O’Neill said: “Yeah, we’re making progress. I think we can move it along now in the next couple of days.
“I’m very confident that we’ll get some recruits in. I don’t know (what progress would look like). Like anything else, you’re trying to look for a bit of quality that would, first of all, supplement the squad, and two, improve it.
“That’s the case, and that’s what we’re hoping to try and do. But it’s not been easy – not just for us, but for other clubs. Perhaps the Celtic fans think it’s always us!
“I’ve had transfer windows in the past myself – not at Celtic, necessarily – when you’re twiddling your fingers and letting the day go past.
“So we’re trying to do some work and we think we can do it. You keep questioning me on guarantees, promises and all that stuff… I can’t guarantee anything. I don’t think any of us can do in the game.
“But we’re very, very hopeful.”
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