Celtic manager Martin O'Neill has confirmed that talks are progressing to bring Kelechi Iheanacho back to the club, as new signing Camilo Duran completed his £6million move from Qarabag. The Nigerian striker's representatives are locked in negotiations with Celtic chief executive Michael Nicholson, according to O'Neill.
Duran Completes Celtic Switch
Colombian striker Camilo Duran has officially joined Celtic on a five-year deal after linking up with the Double-winners at their training camp in Portugal. The 24-year-old attracted interest from clubs across Europe after scoring five Champions League goals last season, but he insisted his heart was set on a move to Parkhead.
Duran said: "I'm very happy, it's a dream come true to sign for a big club like Celtic, the biggest in Scotland, and I'm just excited to get going and score lots of goals. When I first heard of the interest there was absolutely no doubt in my mind and I'm just excited to get playing with the boys."
Champions League Ambitions
Duran, who becomes the first Colombian to play for Celtic, is eager to make his mark on Europe's biggest stage once again. He added: "It was a dream come true playing in the Champions League. That's what you dream of as a kid, so to score goals was amazing and that's what I want to continue doing here, scoring goals in the Champions League."
He also expressed hope that his performances for Celtic could earn him a call-up to the Colombian national team: "It's an honour to be the first Colombian to play for Celtic. It's been a dream of mine since I was a kid (to play for my country) and I hope that being here at Celtic and working well, then one day that will become true."
O'Neill on Duran and Transfer Plans
Manager Martin O'Neill revealed that Duran had been on Celtic's radar since April. He said: "We've looked at him for a couple of months. We thought about him as far back as April time. Again, he's one of those where, I've said this before, if you're not going to be the manager, then you're not sure that the next manager fancies some of the players. But anyway, we've got over the line now. I think he'll do fine."
O'Neill is keen to add more reinforcements and confirmed that talks have intensified with Iheanacho and Marcelo Saracchi. Asked about progress, he said: "I think there has been - yeah. I think Michael Nicholson has spoken to Iheanacho's agent at this minute. So that's the conversation at this moment. And I think it's the same with Saracchi. I think both of them would like to come back, given the circumstances; then it's up to us to try and see if there are deals to be done. I would like to take them, but I think there's a bit of work to be done."
Other Transfer Links
Celtic have also been linked with Stade de Reims midfielder Mory Gbane, but O'Neill played his cards close to his chest. He said: "I haven't read the things, but there are so many players that have been mentioned. Even my board members are saying, 'Who are they?'. I just can't keep confirming or denying every single player."
