Celtic flop attracting European interest amid stark Martin O'Neill admission

Celtic's outcast winger Michel-Ange Balikwisha is said to be attracting interest amid a likely exit this summer. The Congolese attacker was signed for £5million last summer, with Brendan Rodgers having been a big fan, but it has not worked out.

Balikwisha has struggled for game time at Parkhead, and he has not been involved in any of the first three matchday squads this summer. That suggests he is not part of Martin O'Neill's plans, and an exit could well be on the cards this summer.

Balikwisha attracting European interest

According to journalist Sacha Tavolieri, Elversberg, Monza, and Basel are all showing an interest this summer, but it does not appear as though anything is particularly advanced.

Celtic may well be willing to sell, but it's unclear how much of a hit they are willing to take on their £5million investment. Given the winger's lack of involvement, it's almost certain the Bhoys will have to take a hit unless an initial loan deal can be agreed.

Celtic boss said this week: “There has been interest, but nothing that Balikwisha will be wanting to do at this moment. I am hoping that at some stage or another, if nothing materialises, he would get opportunities. But I cannot promise that. I said to him in my first spell that the next manager coming in might want him. And then he was disappointed when the next manager was me."

Those comments come after O'Neill has previously said: “He’s a very nice footballer and he trains well too. He hasn't complained. He's never come in here and moaned about not being in the side.”

That would suggest the winger is far from a bad egg, and O'Neill's comments do suggest Celtic could consider a loan spell, remaining open to the next manager, who will likely be in place next season, reconsidering the Congolese star. But a move of some sort will likely have to be found, with O'Neill clearly not considering Balikwisha as part of his plans.