Martin O’Neill revealed Celtic board crisis and insists they must signed the 26 years hot striker to boost the squad

Celtic Step up Ambitious Bid to Sign Red-Hot Striker for Martin O’Neill

Celtic are prioritising an ambitious January move to sign Union Berlin striker Andrej Ilic, according to TEAMtalk.

Interim manager Martin O’Neill confirmed earlier this month that the club will go ‘all out’ to bring in new players before the February 2 transfer deadline, but nearly halfway through the mid-season window the only addition has been Julian Araujo on loan from Bournemouth.

The Glasgow club had looked to be on the verge of signing Jocelin Ta Bi with terms agreed, but the deal has collapsed after the Ivorian winger’s medical showed he needed surgery.

Now, Celtic are stepping up their bid to make two exciting additions in the coming days and weeks.

O’Neill is hoping a double Celtic signing can bring them back into Scottish Premiership title contention, with the Bhoys currently lying six points adrift of leaders Hearts.

According to TEAMtalk, the club is actively exploring a deal for Union Berlin star Ilic, in what is an ambitious and extremely challenging deal to get over the line.

Not only is the 25-year-old drawing admiring glances from Premier League side Burnley, but he only joined Union on a permanent deal from Lille last summer and the Bundesliga outfit hold a strong negotiating position on their centre-forward.

Ilic has an impressive record of 72 goals in 192 career appearances, but the Serbian international’s £9m price tag would require a big financial outlay from Celtic as they consider a deal for a player whose physical frame is seen as the perfect fit for Scottish football.

Celtic Also Targeting Stefan Ortega

The same report says that O’Neill is also looking to land a new goalkeeper this month, with Kasper Schmeichel’s recent performances coming under scrutiny and with his contract at Parkhead due to expire in the summer.

Celtic are said to be strongly considering a move for rarely-seen Manchester City goalkeeper Stefan Ortega, who has found himself as Pep Guardiola’s third or fourth-choice keeper option this term following the arrivals of Gianluigi Donnarumma and James Trafford in the summer.

The 33-year-old German’s contract at the Etihad expires at the end of the season and he has been mooted for a loan switch to Celtic Park, which would allow the club to make a decision on his long-term suitability before signing him on a free transfer in the summer.

The pressure is now on Celtic’s board, with O’Neill making it clear he wants new faces through the door as soon as possible.

Celtic In Talks Over Ta Bi Alternative

After their move for Jocelin Ta Bi stalled, Celtic are now in talks to sign Uruguayan winger Ignacio Laquintana instead.

The 26-year-old plays for Red Bull Bragantino, with the Scottish giants seeing if they are able to sign him on loan with an option to buy.

The South American forward is said to be keen on a move to Celtic this month, where he would link up with compatriot Marcelo Saracchi.