Celtic 'exploring the conditions' for a deal on versatile forward as O'Neill lines up attacking reinforcements
The Hoops are in for a forward with experience in both the Europa League and Europa Conference League.
Martin O’Neill has addressed Celtic’s interest in a prolific Croatian star, as he seeks to bolster the Hoops’ options in attacking areas.
The loan deal of Julian Araujo remains the only piece of business Celtic have completed in January, as the window reaches the halfway mark. With no permanent deals being made as of yet, the Hoops board and management have been urged to act quickly if they want to bring in quality additions.
Benjamin Nygren got the only goal of the game as Celtic narrowly defeated Falkirk away from home on Wednesday night, however on a night where the hosts missed two or three golden opportunities, it further highlighted the need for The Hoops to bring a few more bodies in.
Despite this, the positive result means they now leapfrog Rangers in the Premiership table and keep pace with Hearts, who defeated St Mirren 2-0 at Tynecastle despite playing 75 minutes with 10 men. After the Falkirk triumph, O’Neill was asked who he has his eye on in terms of squad additions.
Celtic ‘exploring conditions’ for versatile star
According to Sky Sports’ Anthony Joseph: “Celtic are exploring the conditions of a deal for NK Celje forward Franko Kovacevic. The 26-year-old is attracting interest from a number of clubs, due to his impressive form in Slovenia’s Prva Liga and in Europe.”
The Hoops have a list of attacking January transfer targets, which Kovacevic is very much a part of. The Croatian can play either as a number nine or on either flank and has bagged 11 goals in 14 league games already this season.
Celje have valued their talisman at around £2.5m as Parkhead scouts continue to monitor his progress. Chelsea striker David Detro Fofana and Lorient marksman Mohamed Bamba are also reportedly on O’Neill’s list. Kovacevic signed a new contract at Celje last summer, which runs until June 2028.
O’Neill desperate for a number nine
The Celtic boss has made it no secret that they’re in need of a centre forward, given the poor form of the current crop. After the Falkirk triumph, O’Neill issued an update on where the club is at in terms of their search. He told the Daily Record: “I'm probably sure I have done. I've only looked at about four and a half thousand at this minute and that's not bad given I'm only in a week.
“You can tell that we definitely need to get a centre forward. Young Johnny Kenny has done really fine in the games but I think it's really harsh to put that kind of pressure on a young lad. We're looking for help. I'm not diverting to your thing, but I'm just not answering you! But you know, I am trying. I know I haven't done anything since yesterday but I am trying. We will definitely get people in.”
With Rangers on the verge of signing Danish International Andreas Skov Olsen while Hearts have just finalised the deal of in-form St Johnstone man Josh McPake, The Hoops are slowly falling behind their Premiership title rivals in terms of new additions. However, a striker with a record of nigh on a goal a game could be the statement of intent the Parkhead faithful want to see.