8 players Celtic could look to sign after Martin O'Neill's EFL scouting trip including Hoops-linked striker
Interim Celtic boss and assistant coach Mark Fotheringham were spotted on an English Championship spying mission on Monday
Celtic are gearing up for a significant summer rebuild with plenty of squad movement expected and a decision to be made on the managerial position amid uncertainty over Martin O’Neill’s future.
The interim Hoops boss watched his side claw their way back into the Scottish Premiership title race with a gritty 2-1 victory over Dundee at Dens Park on Easter Sunday. The 74-year-old is expected to vacate the Parkhead hot seat once the season has concluded, but there are growing calls from supporters for the Irishman to remain part of the club long-term in a boardroom capacity.
While O’Neill’s future is still up in the air, work remains ongoing behind the scenes to identify potential signing targets heading into the summer transfer window.
With that in mind, O’Neill could well be taking a closer look at various players, who currently feature on the club’s recruitment radar with a view to informing his potential successor about their suitability.
Less than 24 hours after Celtic were in action on Tayside, O’Neill was spotted south of the border at Deepdale along with assistant Mark Fotheringham to cast their eye over Preston North End vs QPR in the EFL Championship.
Here, GlasgowWorld takes a closer look at eight players that Celtic could be looking at with a summer transfer swoop in mind:
Alfie Devine
On loan from Tottenham Hotspur, the attacking midfielder was one name suggested as a potential player of interest. The 21-year-old has impressed for the Lilywhites since arriving on a season-long loan deal, contributing eight goals and four assistant in 40 appearances.
Milutin Osmajic
Celtic were first linked with the Montenegrin striker back in December, who has faced disciplinary issues this season, including allegations of racism in a derby clash with Burnley and a red card for a headbutt on ex-Rangers midfielder John Lundstram in a 3-0 defeat to Hull City resulted in him being suspended for 20 games over the last 16 months. His goal scoring record since signing for Preston from Cadiz in 2023 hasn’t blown anyone away, but he offers a powerful present at the top end of the pitch. Has just one year left on his contract and could be available for a cut-price fee this summer.
Liam Lindsay
A name that will be familiar with many followers of Scottish football, the former Partick Thistle centre-back has been a mainstay for Preston since joining the club back in July 2021. The left-footed defender was previously named in the Scottish Premiership Team of the Year for season 2016/17. He remains under contract until 2027.
Lewis Dobbin
The Aston Villa loanee has been a standout in the English second-tier this term, but the general consensus among supporters at his parent club seems to be that they would have preferred the winger to have been sold permanently last summer. Dobbin - who cost Villa £10m from Everton in the summer of 2024 - recently outlined his intentions to break into the first-team at Villa Park amidst a fruitful spell in Lancashire.
Rayan Kolli
Algerian international has recently garnered attention for his improved form and goal scoring ability for QPR. Signed a long-term deal with the Loftus Road club in early 2025, having progressed up through the academy system. Currently enjoying a purple patch in front of goal and has earned praise from manager Julien Stephan for improved attitude.
Harvey Vale
The newly-capped Republic of Ireland international represented England between Under-15 and Under-20 level, but obtained an Irish passport over a year ago through his grandfather. Spent time in the Fulham and Chelsea academies before signing his first professional contract with the Blues in September 2020, making his senior debut under Thomas Tuchel in December 2021. His stock continues to rise after catching the eye with his versatility and ability on the ball. Capable of playing on the wing, at left-back, in central midfield or as a number 10 behind the striker.
Ronnie Edwards
A highly regarded England youth international, who joined QPR from Southampton for a fee in the region of £4.5m in January. The 22-year-old defender previously starred on loan at the West London club
Kieran Morgan
The teenage prospect was released by Tottenham Hotspur in the summer of 2024, but has bounced back from that disappointment by establishing himself as a first-team regular at QPR. Earned himself a new long-term deal within six months of his arrival and is a midfielder with a bright future ahead of him.