WILFRIED NANCY is preparing a splash-out for FOUR new players when the transfer window opens on Thursday.
The Frenchman is aware the champions urgently need strengthening with the squad looking threadbare with long-term injuries to Alistair Johnston, Cameron Carter-Vickers and Filipe Jota, with the Portuguese winger failing to feature since the title-winning 5-0 win over Dundee United at Tannadice in April.
Striker Kelechi Iheanacho has also been suffering from a hamstring problem for most of the time since his UEFA deadline-day signing while young Callum Osmand has also been sidelined with a similar injury.
Nancy will waste no time in making his moves as soon as he gets the green light in the market place, according to a report in the Daily Record.
TARGET MAN…Julian Araujo is on Wilfried Nancy’s wanted list.
JULIÁN ARAUJO, the Bournemouth right-back, is top of the new manager’s wish list.
The Hoops gaffer will attempt to land the Mexican international on a short-term loan deal while Johnston, his former player at CF Montreal, is out of contention.
America-born Araujo is known to Nancy after the 24-year-old star’s time at LA Galaxy in the MLS.
He arrived at the south coast club last year after a 12-month stint at Barcelona, but has struggled to settle and a temporary switch would be welcomed with the defender to get game time before his adopted nation host the World Cup Finals alongside the USA and Canada in the summer.
DIEGO ROSSI, the Columbus Crew striker, has been linked with Celtic ever since Nancy left the MLS club to join the champions on a two-and-a-half year deal earlier this month.
The 27-year-old Uruguayan international is reportedly keen to link up with his former boss, but the Parkhead side know they will have to fork out a high fee for the player.
ON THE MOVE…Diego Rossi is keen to join his former Columbus Crew boss at Parkhead.
JOCELIN TA BI, the Ivory Coast winger, is also being eyed, but once again the Hoops have been warned he will not be allowed to leave Hapoel Petah Tikva for a bargain fee.
Belgian aces Genk have apparently made an unspecified offer for the exciting 19-year-old wide boy which is being considered by the Israeli outfit.
IBRAHIM DIABATE, the 26-year-old Ivorian frontman, is also on Nancy’s radar.
However, his Gothenburg-based club GAIS are in no rush to part with their top scorer who is under contract until December 2028.
Meanwhile, Celtic have given the go-ahead for former Scotland Under-21 international skipper Stephen Welsh to continue his loan deal with Motherwell until the end of the season.
The central defender is unavailable to face his parent club at Fir Park tonight.
*DON’T miss the unbeatable match report and best action images from Motherwell v Celtic this evening – only in your champion CQN.
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