DAILY RECORD 🔵 Celtic striker search explodes with 6 transfers in motion as Bowie interest ‘registered’ and Diabate door open
The Scottish Premiership champions are in dire need of a new frontman this month and there are plenty of options
Ibrahim Diabate, Kieron Bowie and Callum Wilson(Image: )
Celtic fans are waiting for the transfer window to come to life with the midway point in the window rapidly approaching.
A striker is the top priority for Celtic this month with Johnny Kenny the only fit first-team option for Martin O’Neill. Kelechi Iheanacho was brought in as a free agent following the end of the summer window, but has been plagued by injury.
After stepping into the hotseat until the end of the season after Wilfried Nancy’s nightmare tenure, O’Neill hasn’t been shy in telling the board that he needs recruits. Speaking after the win over Dundee United, he warned: “I am hopeful that we are going to get some people in.
« We obviously need to do it, even just to give help to the boys at present at the minute. Because this week, the week that’s just gone in, was the only week that we have had, since I’ve come to the football club, when we have had a free week.
“And from here on in, we go right through now to I don’t know how long, because we’re going midweek each time. So there’ll be no respite. If we pick up injuries to really key players here, we could be in serious trouble. We need some people in. And, honestly, we are working on it.”
So where does the club stand in their hunt for a new forward? Record Sport has all the latest…
Callum Wilson
West Ham striker Callum Wilson is set to cancel his contract at the London Stadium. The 33-year-old only joined the Hammers on a free transfer from Newcastle United last summer and has scored four goals in 17 matches.
But the England cap is searching for regular first-team football this month, with Record Sport columnist Chris Sutton suggesting Wilson as a gamble worth taking. Sevilla are also said to be showing an interest in the 33-year-old.
Kyogo Furuhashi
Former Parkhead hero Kyogo Furuhashi is « unlikely » to make a return to Glasgow’s East End – despite interest from Celtic this month.
He swapped the Scottish Premiership for Ligue 1 to join Stade Rennes 12 months ago, but lasted just six months in France before returning to the UK with Birmingham last summer in a bumper £10million deal.
But after opting to focus on City this month, he netted in the Blues’ 3-2 FA Cup win over Cambridge. After the win, he said: « Hi Blues fans, I’m glad that I scored. I’ll keep trying to help the team. Keep Right On. »
Kieron Bowie
Celtic have reportedly « registered » their interest in Hibs striker Kieron Bowie as they consider a move for the Easter Road frontman.
It’s claimed is valued at around £6million by the Easter Road side. Boss David Gray has insisted he is calm on the 23-year-old’s future ahead – with Rangers and English Football League clubs also said to be keen on the frontman.
The Hibs Observer state the « Parkhead club keen to be kept informed over any possible transfer deals ».
Ibrahim Diabate
Ivory Coast striker Diabate, rated at around £3m in Sweden, has impressed for for Gothenburg side GAIS and is reportedly on the Hoops’ radar. Last term, the frontman helped them to a third-placed finish and shared the top scorer award in the Allsvenskan.
Ahead of the new league season, technical director Magnus Skoldmark told Fotbollskanalen that the club are open to a deal: « I can be completely transparent there: We have no offer on the table right now.
« His season last year was exceptional. But as always, if there is a strong offer from someone, we will listen to it. »
Giuesppe Ambrosino
Last summer, Celtic failed to get a loan move over the line for Giuesppe Ambrosino with Napoli opting to keep the Italian U21 international.
The frontman reportedly hoped to fight his way into Antonio Conte’s first-team plans – but those chances have failed to materialise. Reports in Italy suggest that Ambrosino will now sign with Venezia on loan on Monday.
Wessam Abou Ali
Wilfried Nancy would have known all about the striker – and it now appears Columbus Crew striker Wessam Abou Ali has opted for a different club in Europe.
Turkish outlet Posta state that the 26-year-old is in « final negotiations » over a loan switch to Trabzonspor after the end of the Major League Soccer season.