Celtic set to sacrifice two players to secure Rangers’ top January target the £47 million Leeds United star is set to make a surprise swap deal.
Leeds United give verdict on Celtic-linked ace as 49ers complication comes into play with ‘no intention’ claim made
Leeds United Chiefs have responded to claims that Celtic are in for one of their strikers, who bagged 19 league goals last season.
Martin O’Neill has repeatedly stressed the importance of Celtic acquiring a prolific number nine, not just before the end of the window, but before next weeks mammoth fixtures away to Bologna and Hearts. The Hoops boss is yet to add any players to the squad in his third stint in the Parkhead dugout, with the only business Celtic have concluded so far being Wilfried Nancy’s loan signing of Julian Araujo from Bournemouth.
As the search for a number nine continues with less than a fortnight to go of the January transfer window, Celtic have been hunting far and wide for their man. The likes of Hibs’ Kieron Bowie, West Ham’s Callum Wilson and Chelsea’s David Detro Fofana have all been subject of Hoops interest, however nothing has came to fruition as yet. O’Neill is also reportedly in for a Leeds United frontman, but has been dealt a severe transfer blow from The Lilywhites’ hierarchy.
Leeds have ‘no intention’ of offloading Piroe
Elland Road striker Joel Piroe hasn’t as much game time as he’d like this season and has been linked with a move elsewhere with Celtic in the running to sign him on loan. However, according to the Daily Record, United have ‘no intention of losing last season’s talisman.
They claim: “reports today had claimed that the Scottish champions had held discussions over a loan swoop for the Dutchman. But a source close to the player has told Record Sport that the Lilywhites have no intention of farming the Dutchman out in the January window.”
Piroe has found himself behind prolific goalscoring Premier League veteran, Dominic Calvert-Lewin in the selection pecking order, as well as summer signing, Lukas Nmecha. Despite this, manager Daniel Farke wants to hold onto the Dutchman with his squad bordering on a relegation battle. Piroe himself also wants to prove he has what takes in the top division.
49ers Rangers link squanders Celtic deal
What doesn’t help Celtic in their quest to sign the Leeds man is the 49ers involvement with the Premier League side given their links to title rivals Rangers. Chairman Paraag Marathe is unlikely to offload one of his assets that could swing the title race in Celtic’s favour.
Celtic currently sit level on points with their Old Firm rivals and six adrift of Hearts at the top of the table. O’Neill believes they will have a striker in the door before they face The Jambos at Tynecastle on January 25th.
The Hoops boss said: “to me, it’s essential (to get a striker in). Absolutely essential. I think we know that. Obviously, we can’t change the squad around for the Bologna game. But all next week, we would like to have some people in for Hearts, if it was at all possible.”
