Celtic transfer target not interested in January move as Rangers owners left ‘surprised’ by rivals' pursuit
Celtic have been snubbed by a January transfer target who doesn’t want to go anywhere this month
Celtic have essentially been snubbed by a winter transfer target as their mission to sign a new striker continues.
The Hoops have been linked with Leeds United star Joel Piroe but a new update claims he is not interested in pursuing a move away from Elland Road right now. Despite the 26-year-old not playing a regular role this season, he is still committed to ensuring the team’s survival in the Premier League.
Celtic have registered their interest in Piroe but they will need to wait until at least the summer before they can make a serious approach.
Joel Piroe not interested in Celtic interest this window
Speaking to Voetbal International, Piroe admitted the prospect of leaving Leeds is ‘not on the cards right now’ but he has not closed the door to a potential move.
“You never know, what if an opportunity arises that you can’t say no to? But personally, I’m not really keen on making a move this winter. Especially because the season is still relatively short and there’s little time to adapt elsewhere. That would be very difficult, I think.
“If I have to make a transfer, I’d rather join during pre-season and get fully prepared for a new adventure. [laughing] After the World Cup, so to speak. But I’m not thinking about leaving right now. I still want and can be of value to Leeds and contribute to staying out of the relegation zone.”
Leeds earned promotion to the Premier League last season after winning the EFL Championship title. They are currently 16th in England’s top flight, eight points clear of the relegation zone but they cannot afford to take their foot off the gas.
Celtic ‘surprises’ Rangers owners with Joel Piroe interest
Earlier this week, Sky Sports reported that Leeds had been left ‘surprised’ by Celtic’s approach to sign Piroe. As the Whites are connected to Rangers through the 49ers, there was ‘little chance’ of their interest progressing any further, especially for a loan move at this halfway point in the season.
The club’s chairman is Paraag Marathe, who is the vice-chairman of Rangers, and sanctioning a Celtic move for Piroe would only strengthen the Light Blues’ direct rivals. As a result, the idea of the move has been ‘dismissed by sources within the club’.
Celtic are back in positive form now Martin O’Neill has returned to the club. They have a chance of moving to within three points of Scottish Premiership leaders Hearts if they can beat the table-toppers in their meeting this weekend.
However, Rangers also pose a threat as they are currently level on points with their derby rivals. The Hoops are only ahead of Danny Rohl’s side on goal difference, so there’s plenty to fight for in this second half of the season, despite both Glasgow sides enduring tough periods this campaign.