O'Neill stays, fourth stint begins
Martin O'Neill has agreed to stay on as Celtic manager, putting pen to paper on a one-year deal after talks in London (2) (3). The 74-year-old returns for a sensational fourth stint at the club, fresh off a league and cup double (3) (7). The deal was finalised after a fan backlash against the prospect of Robbie Keane taking the post permanently (6). The Evening Standard reports the board locked in their decision by midweek, with confirmation now expected imminently (11).
Bellamy twist complicates the picture
Craig Bellamy emerged as a late contender for the role in talks this week, with sources indicating the Wales boss was still being considered as recently as Wednesday (12). Bellamy, who has two years left on his Wales contract, addressed the speculation directly: "I'm not going anywhere, I've got another two years. I am ambitious though, trust me" (12). The O'Neill agreement appears to have closed the door, but the Bellamy interest shows just how fluid this search has been.
Goalkeeper hunt: De Busser and Polster tracked
With Kasper Schmeichel retired, Celtic are moving on goalkeeping targets. Jari De Busser of Go Ahead Eagles is high on the list, his 73.8% save rate and 4.38 goals prevented mark him as a statistically elite option (8). Wolfsberger's Nikolas Polster is also under consideration, though Aston Villa are monitoring the same market (8).
Arconte race heats up
Celtic are one of three clubs chasing Ligue 2's top scorer Taïrik Arconte. The Auxerre forward is being lined up as a replacement for the outgoing Lassine Sinayoko, with Millwall and Rodez also in the mix (9). The timing of the managerial situation could be a factor, pundits have warned it's harder to close deals without a settled dugout.
Just push after Nygren confession
Motherwell's Elijah Just should be Celtic's top priority this window, according to former scout Mick Brown, after Benjamin Nygren admitted his future is uncertain (10). Nygren told Radiosporten: "We'll see what happens" when asked about a potential exit (10). Just, who impressed in the Scottish Premiership this season, would be a direct replacement.
