Celtic are close to making a bid for the star as Sky Journalist confirms he will arrive
Martin O’Neill has signed a new one-year deal at Celtic with an option for another season, and Dermot Desmond is already making moves to back his manager.
Celtic have announced plans to support O’Neill
The 74-year-old returned to Celtic Park twice last season and led the Hoops to a league and Scottish Cup double.
O’Neill told Celtic’s website: “It’s a great honor for me to continue as Celtic manager.
“Last season will live long in all our memories and being a part of that success has increased the desire to work more days like those and bring our fans those moments.”
The former Republic of Ireland manager led Celtic to nine consecutive victories to end the season in style after saving the club twice.
O’Neill steadied the ship after the sudden departure of Brendan Rodgers and won seven of eight games before returning for a third spell in charge after the short but disastrous reign of Wilfried Nancy, who lost six of eight games.
Celtic won 19 games, drew two and lost two in O’Neill’s 23 William Hill Premiership games in charge and led them to two cup wins over Rangers and a place in the knockout stages of the Europa League.
“We already know that Celtic will never rest on their laurels, so we intend to move forward together next season as we intend to do it again for the team and our fans,” said O’Neill, who has won nine trophies as Celtic manager.
“I thank our fans for their continued support, it means everything to us. I look forward to returning to Celtic Park next season where we will meet again and we will fight to bring our fans the success that support deserves.”
Major shareholder Desmond reportedly spoke to Robbie Keane before returning to O’Neill, and vowed to back the manager in the transfer window: “Time and time again Martin has shown his qualities and what he can bring to Celtic.
Celtic are interested in signing ahead of FC Lorient and Genk after a video call
The Boys are in good shape.
“We know he won, we know what the team means to him and he continues to be a great player to give us a better chance to achieve our goals.
“The club will fully support Martin throughout the upcoming season to ensure we are well prepared to achieve domestic success and compete at the European level.”
Celtic are determined to find a World Cup star
Sky reporter Gianluca Di Marzio confirmed this week that the Hoops have spoken to Brondby about the availability of 23-year-old midfielder Benjamin Tahirovic.
“Celtic really want Benjamin Tahirovic. They really like him, but I can’t guarantee that they will finish the deal with Brondby and sign him.
“I know that Celtic contacted Brøndby asking for the necessary information such as the price of Tahirovic and the possibility of signing him. What I can say is that Celtic really want him and are still trying to sign him.” – Di Marzio to Splixperten
Tahirovic is expected to play for Bosnia at the World Cup, and Celtic managers are ready to submit a bid worth up to £4m including add-ons, Football FanCast sources understand.
The Hoops want to move quickly in case Tahirovic’s price rises due to his performance in the tournament, with Bosnia able to move up from a group that includes Canada, Qatar and Switzerland.
Tahirovic is regarded as one of the rising talents in the Danish Superliga, having made 32 appearances in all competitions this season, scoring once.
A defensive midfielder, he stands at 6 foot 3 and is known for his ability to finish off attacks and control the tempo of games, likely to be seen as a long-term successor to Callum McGregor.
Better than Iheanacho: Celtic chiefs in talks to sign 20-goal striker
Celtic are reportedly interested in signing a midfielder who could be a better option than Kelechi Iheanacho.
