IF MARTIN O’NEILL got his way, Kelechi Iheanacho would be at Celtic’s training HQ in Portugal just now.
Instead, though, the Nigerian international striker is in Manchester as he prepares for the new season.
O’Neill has confirmed he wants the 29-year-old former Manchester City and Leicester City frontman to return to Parkhead, as CQN reported last week.
The Irishman said: “If we can do something relatively quickly, at least he then gets started in pre-season, which is really important for him.
“I would like to have him. It would be nice. I’m definitely pursuing that at this minute and we are talking to his agent.”
PRIZE GUY…Kelechi Iheanacho celebrates Celtic’s Scottish Cup Final triumph over Dunfermline at Hampden on May 23 as the champions seal the double.
Iheanacho claimed some crucial goals for the champions last season after being snapped up following his release from Sevilla in September.
He scored a late-penalty-kick winner against Kilmarnock at Rugby Park shortly after his arrival, but injuries derailed his progress.
Iheanacho netted points-clinchers at Dundee (2-1), Hibs (2-1) and Motherwell (3-2) and also claimed a double in the 6-2 Scottish Cup semi-final extra-time victory over St Mirren before bringing down the curtain with the third and final goal in the 3-1 success over Dunfermline in the Hampden showpiece.
However, his short-term deal expired at the end of the season when the hitman became a free agent.
Iheanacho has been training at the Seedorf Football Academy which specialises in elite level one-to-one and group coaching sessions.
CELTIC EXODUS: FOUR FOR THE ROAD?
WANT TO KNOW A SECRET? Celtic Confidential is the stunning book that brings the exclusive inside stories behind the headlines. Who was the tycoon who would have ruined Celtic? What really happened the night Kenny Dalglish quit the club? The real story behind Mo Johnston’s sensational move to Ibrox. All is revealed in Alex Gordon’s sixteenth Celtic book which is available NOW. Order a copy and get £5 OFF the cover price of £25. Just click SHOP HEREand your book will be on its way. Enjoy the revelations!
