Martin O’Neill has made it clear to the Parkhead board that a new frontman is required this month
Celtic been have urged to launch a bid for struggling Evan Ferguson as he struggles for form at Roma.
The Ireland international only made the move to Serie A last summer from Brighton but has struggled to hold down a regular spot in the staring line-up. It follows a disappointing loan stint away from the Seagulls last season to West Ham in January – where he made just three appearances for the Hammers without scoring.
While netting fives goals in 21 appearances this term for Roma, boss Gian Piero Gasperini has publicly slammed Ferguson. Before the loss to Juventus last month heading into the January window he declared Ferguson “isn’t convincing me”.
He then went further insisting: “He hasn’t quite got into the swing of things yet, along with others. You need more to be a centre-forward than being tall. He hasn’t settled into the spirit of this team.
That has fuelled speculation that his loan contract could be ripped up before the end of the month – with Ferguson failing to even make the bench for the Coppa Italia defeat to Torino on Tuesday night. Peter Grant – who works for Celtic TV as a commentator – reckons the Scottish champions should be first in the queue for a loan deal.
He told the Go Radio Football Show: “People will criticise and say it’s making excuses, but it’s a very difficult window – especially for a number nine. Nobody wants to sell them if they are doing well. Maybe I am going off script a bit, but Ferguson at Roma – he wasn’t on the bench last night.
“He wasn’t playing. But he was getting mentioned with Celtic before. He is somebody that would come in and do a job for Celtic. I was looking to see where Ferguson’s name was – and I think he is a right good player. It’s maybe one that could be hanging out there.”
Celtic have also reignited their interest in Chelsea forward David Datro Fofana – with the Premier League giants said to be keen to sell the striker this month.
Ivory Coast international Fofana was linked with the Hoops late in the summer window – but rejected a move.
The 22-year-old is currently on loan at Turkish Super Lig side Fatih Karagümrük, where he has found form by netting seven times in 14 matches. Chelsea are reportedly open to a quick-fire sale to free up an international loan slot, and allow the likes of Raheem Sterling to be moved off of the books for the remainder of the season.
Celtic target Mohamed Bamba is also reportedly on Lorient’s list of players to move on before recruiting this month.
Onze Mondial report the French club’s plan is to trim their squad and strengthen key areas in this window. They have already ‘expressed desire’ to part ways with multiple players who failed to create an impact.
That includes Bamba – who Celtic are understood to be keen on loaning in, with a purchase option in the deal.
Versatile Croat Franko Kovačević is also said to be on the agenda. The 26-year-old – who plays for Slovenian club Celje – is said to be ‘ready for the next step in his career’, according to Index.
The 25-goal attacker is said to be valued at £2.5million. Transfer reporter Mark Hendry notes the Hoops are among the interested parties this month.
