Martin O'Neill sets timeline for Celtic signings as one transfer link dismissed and another move 'hijacked'
Interest in EPL striker downplayed but O’Neill insists new signings are on way
Martin O'Neill has distanced himself from reports that Celtic are interested in signing West Ham striker Callum Wilson.
The 33-year-old is set to leave the Hammers in the January window and reports earlier this week suggested Celtic were among the clubs to have approached the ex-England international over a possible move to Parkhead.
However, O'Neill has poured cold water on the speculation, admitting the link to Wilson came as "news to me", amid a fresh report claiming that the former Bournemouth and Newcastle front man is heading to Saudi Arabia.
Asked about interest in Wilson ahead of the Scottish Cup clash with Auchinleck Talbot, the Northern Irishman said: "I can't tell you anything.
“It was news to me. We are in search of those elusive goalscorers. On a serious note, I can't tell you anything about it, but we are making progress.
"I hadn't thought about that (signing Wilson) - not that he is not a very fine player - but I thought that he was going elsewhere."
Celtic have so far made one signing in the January window with Mexican left-back Julian Araujo arriving on loan from Bournemouth. They have also recalled defender Stephen Welsh from his loan at Motherwell.
Pressed on whether Celtic were any closer to making further additions, O'Neill replied: "Remarkably, I think we are, yeah.
"We are definitely a bit closer. I dread these interviews, I really do, because I just like the natter - but I dread the questions coming up. I can't wait for the 2nd (deadline day) or 3rd of February."
O'Neill admitted that new signings are unlikely ahead of Sunday's clash with Talbot but is hopeful of making additions to the squad before the top of the table clash against Hearts at Tynecastle the following weekend.
"I can't think there would be [in time for Sunday], but I would think at some stage next week there will be," he said.
"To me it's absolutely essential. I think we know that anyway. We can't change the squad around for the Bologna game, but we would like to bring some people in for Hearts if it was at all possible."
Celtic move ‘hijacked’ by Premier League club
One player who won’t be joining Celtic is Ivory Coast winger Jocelin Ta Bi. The 20-year-old was unveiled by Sunderland on Friday afternoon after completing a £3million move from Israeli club Maccabi Netanya.
It was previously reported that the Scottish champions had pulled out of a deal for Ta Bi due to a failed medical, however, reports in England now claim that Celtic thought they had a deal in place before the Premier League side hijacked the move.
His arrival on Wearside follows a loan spell at Hapoel Petah Tikva, where he made 12 league appearances and contributed two goals and two assists.
Speaking on the Sunderland website, Ta Bi said: “Playing in the Premier League has always been a dream of mine, and I’m incredibly excited for what’s ahead. I know there’s still plenty of work to do, and pushing myself every day and improving is something I’m fully committed to. We have some special things ahead of us at Sunderland, and I’m looking forward to taking this journey together.”
Sunderland sporting director, Krisjaan Speakman, added: “We’re delighted to reach an agreement for Jocelin to join Sunderland. A dynamic and explosive wide player who enjoys attacking duels, predominantly from the right side, he is a player with high potential, and we will integrate him patiently into our Club. We believe in the player, and we believe in our approach to developing talent, so we are looking forward to starting the journey with him, and I’m sure our supporters will also enjoy the attributes he brings to our team.”
Comments
Want to join the conversation? Please or to comment on this article.