Celtic receive transfer blow as target ‘wants to stay’

Celtic has long been rumoured and connected with one veteran striker, who now says he would snub a move to the Hoops as he wants to stay with his club.

Celtic has been connected with numerous names during the past few transfer windows, and this winter period has been no different. After losing out in the Champions League Playoff rounds, the talk intensified for additions. The Hoops then began winning in the Europa League, and the rumours cooled off.

Those transfer rumours have now returned in full force as Celtic lost to cross-town rivals Rangers in the final match prior to the winter break and transfer window. One thing is clear: the Hoops need to make meaningful additions in order to maintain dominance.

Celtic has been outplayed in the last two matches against Rangers, and now Rangers have also made it to the Europa League Knockout rounds as well. The Hoops’ cross-town rivals need to be taken seriously, and the capital gains the Hoops have been hoarding need to be spent now, and be spent wisely.

One player that could have helped the Hoops is veteran striker Billy Sharp of Sheffield United. The striker has long been rumoured in connection with Celtic.

According to the Star, a union between the two sides is now off the table, as Sheffield United boss Chris Wilder has been quoted as saying:

"“I’m open and honest. I’ve told Billy this club has come in for him and that club has come in for him, but he’s always said no.“He wants to stay until at least the end of the season.”"

Celtic cannot linger long during this transfer window, and if Billy Sharp is unavailable, then the Hoops need to pivot someone that is. Once again, these cannot be reserve or depth moves made. The Hoops have to add one or two quality players in order to compete long-term with Rangers.