Deadline day is almost here, folks…
We’re sure you’re counting down the days. For Martin O’Neill and Celtic, those days are likely to be busy.
Not least because there are two home games packed in before it comes, against Utrecht in the Europa League this evening before Falkirk visit in the league.
Arguably more important is what will happen off the pitch. The transfer pace is being ramped up, with wingers Fares Ghedjemis and Damir Redzic both reportedly being pursued by the Hoops.
But another wide man, Tawanda Maswanhise, is a name widely being discussed in Celtic fan circles.
Where do Celtic still need to strengthen after signing Tomas Cvancara and Julian Araujo?
Update from Tawanda Maswanhise’s camp on Celtic links
Motherwell star Maswanhise is one of the top scorers and standout performers in the Scottish Premiership this season.
A few weeks ago, O’Neill and Mark Fotheringham were spotted in the stands at Fir Park, in what was widely interpreted as a scouting mission on the forward.
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Motherwell boss Jens Askou has insisted that none of the Steelmen’s key players will be sold this winter, but the rumours have persisted.
The player’s camp will be aware of the situation, but Daily Record’s Scott Burns reports that they still insist that there has been no contact from Celtic.
This calls into question the motivations of O’Neill and Fotheringham’s visit. Clubs make plenty of contact with players throughout a transfer window, with discussions often not going beyond that.
But the fact that Celtic haven’t even tested the waters for Maswanhise indicates that the club have decided to focus on other targets.
The Zimbabwe international is capable of playing on both wings, as well as up front. This season, he has predominantly been used as a right-winger.
This means that he could, in theory, cover both positions for the Hoops, spreading funds for the club – but as things stand, the move is a non-starter.
The 25-year-old certainly wouldn’t come cheap – or indeed at all – if his manager’s words are anything to go by.
Is Tawanda Maswanhise good enough for Celtic? Let is know in the comments.
Tawanda Maswanhise not for sale, according to Motherwell
Asked about Maswanhise’s links to Celtic, Askou said: “We are not in negotiations with anyone regarding any of our top players and we are not selling any of our top players this window.
“It is very late and we want them to stay this season and then we will see in the summer.
“We want to build a stronger squad than what we have right now and sharpen up a few things. That plan doesn’t include selling our best players.”
Maswanhise isn’t the only key man at Fir Park being linked away, with Elliot Watt reportedly of interest to Rangers.
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