Defensive midfield may not be at the top of Martin O’Neil’s priorities…
But on Thursday, 67 Hail Hail exclusively revealed that Celtic have made contact with Ridwan Popoola of Hungarian side Kisvarda.
The 19-year-old midfielder has excelled since his side were promoted to the top-flight, catching the attention of many clubs, including the Hoops.
Tall and powerful but partial to a dribble, Popoola is officially valued at €500,000, but his club are valuing him much higher than that.
Aberdeen and Queens Park Rangers have also been linked, but there is now an update on that front.
How much of a priority is a defensive midfielder for Celtic in January?
Update on Celtic January target Ridwan Popoola
According to Scott Burns of the Daily Record, Aberdeen have dropped out of the race to sign Popoola.
This is after Kisvarda have already turned down ‘multiple’ seven-figure bids for the teenager.
READ MORE: Celtic ‘hold talks’ to sign Leeds United striker Joel Piroe on loan
These bids have reportedly come from elsewhere in Europe – there is not yet any confirmation of an offer being tabled by Celtic.
O’Neill is clearly busy with his striker search, which has most recently led him to Joel Piroe of Leeds United.
Given that Leeds are owned by 49ers Enterprises, the same consortium that owns Rangers, there are obvious obstacles in place regarding that deal.
But Piroe boasts an impressive goalscoring record in the Championship – Leeds paid £10 million for his services in January.
Callum Wilson looks less likely to join Celtic after O’Neill said that he suspected that the player would move elsewhere.
Reports down south now say that Wilson is set to travel to the Middle East to negotiate with clubs in the UAE and Saudi Arabia, after his release from West Ham is finalised.
Callum Wilson at Celtic… yes or no?
Other Celtic transfer updates
We now know for sure that Jocelin Ta Bi won’t be joining Celtic, after Sunderland hijacked the deal and completed his signing on a four-and-a-half year deal.
Celtic have enquired for Peter Otele of Basel, and the winger is now training alone ahead of a move – but the Hoops face stiff competition for his services.
Peter Grant has warned Celtic not to sign David Datro Fofana from Chelsea, with rumours linking the Ivorian to other clubs including Derby County.
Meanwhile, Ben Summers is set to join Ayr United on loan, becoming the third Hoops youngster on the books at Somerset Park.
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