Agitated supporters are becoming restless at the lack of activity, especially in the attacking department as the Glasgow giants search for a prolific goalscorer.
O’Neill is also in the market for another central defender and winger, while a second frontman could also be targeted. (Image: GRAHAM STUART/AFP/Getty Images)
Martin O’Neill has hinted that a Celtic signing could be imminent as the club ramps up their search for new faces. The champions have only added on-loan Bournemouth right-back Julian Araujo to their ranks so far this month, with a new striker top of the wishlist.
O’Neill is also in the market for another central defender and winger, while a second frontman could also be targeted. Agitated Hoops supporters are becoming restless at the lack of activity, especially in the attacking department as the Glasgow giants search for a prolific goalscorer. O’Neill understands those frustrations but remains hopeful of getting deals over the line as club chiefs work on business behind-the-scenes, reports Daily Record Sport.
He said: “I’d love to blame other people but it’s down to me. Nothing has changed really, even when I’ve been out of the game, the January transfer window has always been difficult.
“Unless you’ve identified a player that you absolutely know is going to improve your team and you’re prepared to spend money on him, I think it becomes more difficult.
“The new manager would’ve wanted to have had the January window so he could identify players for his particular system.
“Now, we are genuinely working really hard on the background. There’s no impediment in that sense. It’s just trying to get some people in just now that we think can at least help us until the end of the season.”
Asked if he’s had potential signings presented to him, O’Neill said: “Essentially, that is true. I have discarded some.
“Famous last words, but we are making progress – or we think we are. You are talking about agreements with clubs and then secondly with players themselves. And then the player finding out that there’s interest elsewhere.
“So you’re competing, all these particular things come into consideration which is no surprise to me in that sense. I know you’re thinking we’re halfway through January now, but I think that we’re relatively close. But those are famous last words.”