Martin O’Neill has admitted a Kyogo Furuhashi return to Celtic is unlikely

Celtic are on the market for new striker options this transfer window but will have to look further than their former star Kyogo Furuhashi.

The Hoops are on the market for extra firepower in their attack as they readdress their Scottish Premiership title aspirations. Martin O’Neill has returned to the dugout to see out the remainder of the season and steady the ship, following a brief but turbulent period under Wilfried Nancy.

The French coach racked up six defeats from a possible eight before he was shown the door as a result of his nightmare run. Celtic have since banked a dominant win over Dundee United as they re-launch their chase on league leaders Hearts.

Celtic ‘launch loan bid’ for out of favour striker

There had been talks over a potential Parkhead return for Kyogo but recent updates suggest this avenue has reached a dead-end. In place of a hopeful reunion with the influential Japanese striker, Celtic are now interested in acquiring Mohamed Bamba from FC Lorient in Ligue 1.

According to Ouest France, the Hoops have ‘launched a loan bid’ for the 24-year-old, who is under contract until 2028. Celtic are exploring a move that would reportedly include an option to buy clause in a potential contract.

Bamba has scored three goals this season but is struggling for regular playing time with Lorient. He has seven Ligue 1 starts and has come off the bench on eight occasions so far this season.

Kyogo Furuhashi deal ‘unlikely’, says Martin O’Neill

O’Neill was recently asked about the likelihood of Kyogo making a sensational return to Parkhead. Ahead of his first clash back in charge of Celtic, the interim manager admitted: “I would have said that would probably be unlikely. I think there is a viewpoint that he wants to really prove himself at Birmingham, which is no surprise.

“Doing plenty of work on it, seriously and I know that’s a big generalisation. We are doing that and hopefully try and get a few players in. But there’s a lot of work going on at the moment. We are well aware that we have to supplement the squad.”

Kyogo has also suggested that he is happy where is currently with Birmingham City. The 30-year-old has struggled with his form since leaving Celtic but he appears to be committed to rediscovering his best while with the Blues.

Kyogo is yet to open his account in the EFL Championship but he scored his first goal since August for the West Midlands club when Birmingham beat Cambridge United in the FA Cup. Kyogo scored the Blues’ second of the game and aired a statement after that he’s keen to try and help Birmingham City in their endeavours for the second half of this season.

The Japan international said in a social media address: “Hi Blues fans. I’m glad that I scored. I’ll keep trying to help the team. Keep right on.”