Celtic's search for a new centre-forward goes on. Speaking in his press conference on Friday, ahead of Sunday's Scottish Cup tie against Auchinleck Talbot, Martin O'Neill pretty much ruled out the possibility of Callum Wilson moving to Parkhead this month. The manager stated:
""I thought he was going elsewhere.""Martin O’Neill
He adds that it is "essential" that Celtic bring in some new recruits before the window closes, searching for an "elusive goal-scorer", desperate to have some players in before the Hearts game "if at all possible". This, though, will not include Callum Wilson.
The England international striker has mutually terminated his contract with West Ham United, after only six months in East London, not in Nuno Espírito Santo's plans. Numerous clubs are interested in Wilson, including Al-Shabab of the Saudi Pro League, but Celtic are seemingly out of the race.
Given this news, Celtic will have to turn their attention to other targets, so here are three centre-forwards they should have towards the very top of their wish list.
3 Callum Wilson alternatives for Celtic to consider
Franko Kovačević
According to wide-spread reports, Celtic are one of many clubs interested in signing striker Franko Kovačević this month. The 26-year-old has been on fire for Slovenian PrvaLiga side Celje, scoring 25 goals in just 28 appearances this season, thereby averaging a goal every 81 minutes.
Of these goals, 12 have been scored in European competition. He bagged braces during summer qualifiers against Sabah and Lugano, while he is currently the top-scorer in the Conference League with five, including a hat-trick when AEK Athens visited Stadion Z'dežele on matchday one. This has helped Celje reach the knockout stages, set to face Drita from Kosovo.
Celje president Valerij Kolotilo knows he has a valuable asset on his hands. He told the Slovenian Press Agency that Kovačević will only be sold for a league-record fee, which would be in excess of €5 million. He benchmarks Raul Florucz's move to Royale Union Saint-Gilloise and Ezekiel Henty transfer to Lokomotiv Moskva, both departing Olimpija Ljubljana for that amount.
Kovačević has bounced around various clubs across the world, including FC Cincinnati in MLS and South Korean outfit Gangwon, only now discovering his best form at Celje. At around £4.3 million, he could be a shrewd addition and is a risk worth taking.
Joël Piroe
As reported by Sky Sports, Celtic have "held talks" with Leeds United over the possibility of signing Joël Piroe. The Hoops are pushing for a loan move, and are prepared to cover all of the 26-year-old's wages.
Piroe has not started a Premier League match since August, seeing just 203 minutes of action all season, very much second choice behind Dominic Calvert-Lewin. Well, with Leeds also seeking to sign Jørgen Strand Larsen from Wolves, he would thereby fall even further down the pecking order.
As recently as last week, the Dutchman switched his international allegiance to Suriname, so is seeking more regular action ahead of their inter-confederation World Cup play-off against Bolivia on 26 March; the winners of that tie will face Iraq five days later for a place at the World Cup.
However, this potential deal does face stumbling blocks. To bring in Strand Larsen, Leeds would need to sell to remain compliant with the Profitability and Sustainability Rules. Also, 49ers Enterprise have a stake in both Leeds and Rangers, so perhaps they would not allow such a high-quality player to join their Glasgow rivals.
Kieron Bowie
Lastly, a striker a lot closer to home that Celtic are certainly interested in is Kieron Bowie. As reported by Football Insider, Hibernian are "expecting offers" for the 23-year-old, with Celtic, Rangers and several English clubs purportedly interested.
Thus, the Edinburgh-based outfit has slapped a £6.5 million price tag on his head. Amazingly, Hibs' record sale remains the £4.4 million Celtic paid to sign Scott Brown in 2007, meaning this would shatter that record.
He has so far scored eight Premiership goals this season, most recently on target during the Hibees' 1-1 draw with Motherwell last weekend. The youngster also scored an absolute rocket to help his side oust Partizan Belgrade from Conference League qualifying at Easter Road back in August.
This club form has earned international recognition. Steve Clarke handed him his senior Scotland debut against Liechtenstein in Vaduz in June, before featuring in a competitive game for the first time against Belarus at Hampden four months later. While it would be a lot of money, Bowie has the potential to be very much worth the asking price, so he should be the Hoops' number one target.