Celtic’s deal to sign exciting winger Jocelin Ta Bi could still be resurrected following a new development, according to the Daily Record.
The Bhoys had reached an agreement to sign the 20-year-old for £2.5m from Israeli side Maccabi Netanya earlier this month, but problems arose during his medical examinations which caused the move to collapse.
At that point a deal for the Ivorian looked dead in the water, but Celtic are refusing to give up on the deal and have asked for a second opinion on the original diagnosis as Martin O’Neill looks to add to his forward options.
O’Neill said the Glasgow giants are ready to go ‘all out’ in the January transfer window as they look to close the six-point gap to Scottish Premiership leaders Hearts, although the only addition so far has been Bournemouth right-back Julian Araujo on loan.
Celtic Deal for Ta Bi Back On?
According to the Daily Record’s live blog on Wednesday, Ta Bi has been sent to see a specialist in London by Celtic to determine the extent of his ankle injury.
The initial examinations showed the African forward has suffered ankle ligament damage that requires surgery and could keep him out of action for months.
Reports in Israel suggest the Bhoys are not ready to give up on the transfer yet though, and if Ta Bi is given the all-clear and doesn’t need surgery, then the deal could still happen before the February 2 deadline.
Ta Bi was also linked with a move to the Premier League with Sunderland, but his agents have denied any interest from the Mackems with the Ivorian already saying a move to Parkhead would be a ‘dream come true’.
Celtic Also Working on Striker Deal
Following the struggles of Daizen Maeda, Johnny Kenny and Kelechi Iheanacho in front of goal this season, it is of little surprise that O’Neill is determined to add a new striker to his squad for the second half of the season.
Celtic have been linked with moves for Union Berlin centre-forward Andrej Ilic and Franko Kovacevic of Slovenian side NK Celje, while Fabrizio Romano has revealed the Scottish club have also made an enquiry for unwanted Chelsea centre-forward David Datro Fofana.
On-loan Roma striker Evan Ferguson has also been linked, with the Bhoys facing a decision on which way they are going to turn before the deadline on February 2.
According to GIVEMESPORT sources, Celtic have also made contact over a move for in-demand FC Basel winger Philip Otele.
The Swiss club has slashed the forward’s price tag by more than half and are willing to listen to offers worth in excess of £6m.
It’s unclear if the 26-year-old is seen as an alternative to Ta Bi, depending on the outcome of the latest medical checks.
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