Celtic weigh Iheanacho exit as O’Neill pushes £5m move
Motherwell’s Elijah Just scored in all three World Cup games, matching Henrik Larsson’s Scottish-club record. Linked with Celtic, he netted against Iran, Egypt and Belgium but New Zealand finished bottom of Group G.
Celtic are planning a £5m bid for a Scottish Premiership player described as ‘aggressive’ with ‘elite pace’ as Martin O’Neill shapes the squad after last season’s success.
Celtic have allowed Kelechi Iheanacho’s extension option to expire. The 29-year-old scored crucial winners against Dundee, Hibs and Motherwell and netted in the Scottish Cup final. Despite Martin O’Neill’s praise, there have been no concrete talks and he is a free agent.
Chris Sutton urges Celtic’s board to back Martin O’Neill amid slow staffing and transfer moves, citing wrangling over Marcelo Saracchi, uncertainty over Kelechi Iheanacho and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, and the likelihood of Daizen Maeda departing.
Celtic have set a £26m price for the Belgian, having rejected Nottingham Forest bids of £14m, £17m and £25m in January. Roma have been quoted the fee, which would surpass Matt O’Riley’s £25m sale, and the player was signed from Augsburg for £11m.
Alistair Johnston targets Canada progress after reaching the Round of 32. The Celtic defender embraces a switch to Los Angeles, expects travelling support, and urges flexibility against South Africa.
Ajax turmoil sees Marijn Beuker on the brink of being sacked after ‘inaccuracies’ on LinkedIn and a failed £10m move for Kasper Dolberg that snubbed Celtic. Dolberg started 12 times, scored five, and Ajax are now open to a cut-price exit with FC Midtjylland keen.
