Uruguay international 'unlikely' to join Celtic after initial transfer talks as Hoops move in 'different direction'
Celtic have ended their transfer interest in a South American winger - but are exploring an alternative option
The January transfer window is beginning to heat up with Celtic finally making moves in the market after announcing the singing of towering striker Tomas Cvanara on a loan deal with an option to buy for around £7 million in the summer.
The Borussia Monchengladbach star could be thrown straight into action against Premiership leaders Hearts this weekend, but one man who is ‘unlikely’ to join Cvanara through the arrivals gate is Uruguay international Ignacio Laquintana.
According to the Celtic Way, the Red Bull Bragantino right-winger will NOT be joining the Scottish champions this month - despite sources close to the player indicating that he was viewed joining the Hoops as an ‘attractive option’ at this stage of his career.
Initial talks were held with Laquintana’s representatives at the start of the window, but it’s reported that Celtic have yet to follow up on their interest and now look set to miss out on the 26-year-old attacker.
It was previously suggested that a loan deal with an option-to-buy was on the table, but no formal offer has materialised and Parkhead officials now appear to be moving in a different direction in their search to bolster Martin O’Neill’s squad in the forward areas.
With O'Neill having the final say on transfer activity, it seems the Irishman has turned his attention to other targets with Crystal Palace wide-man Jesurun Rak-Sakyi an alternative option currently being explored.
Contact has been made over a possible move for the 23-year-old, who spent the first half of the season on loan at Turkish top-flight side Caykur Rizespor. He has since returned to Selhurst Park but still finds himself out of the first-team picture under Oliver Glasner.
O’Neill wants more cover in the wide areas following a spate of injuries and Celtic have also been linked with Hungarian attacker Damir Redzic, who plays for Slovakian club DAC Dunajska Streda, along with Austrian central midfielder Xaver Schlager.
The Celtic boss is also open to exploring the Scottish market, after he was spotted at Fir Park on Saturday for what he described as a 'football mission' to watch Motherwell's Scottish Cup tie with Ross County.