One Celtic star is set to stay and fight for his player despite reported interest from down South this summer. Martin O'Neill will already be evaluating his squad following his permanent appointment, weighing up where he needs to add strength and depth ahead of the new seasons.
There will be exits this summer, and some that the Bhoys would prefer to avoid, but others will be at their own hand.
Osmand keen on stay
One player who has been linked with an exit is young forward Callum Osmand, who is reportedly of interest to West Ham following their relegation from the Premier League. According to Football Insider, the Hammers have been weighing up a move as they prepare for the Championship.
But the same report adds that Osmand is keen to fight for his place and prove that he can be Celtic's starting striker in the coming season. Injuries hampered the 20-year-old's last campaign, restricting him to only seven appearances across all competitions.
But Martin O'Neill does like and trust the forward, giving him an opportunity in the title decider. The forward rewarded him with a goal.
O'Neill said of Osmand last season: "He's been aamazing really. He's a really nice lad. He's really sharp and good, and I like him, but it's early yet."
Celtic have Osmand tied down until 2029, and they will be keen to see how he develops with a full season of fitness and football before making a decision over his future and risking undervaluing his talent.
Celtic are not in a position to be offloading strikers, either. With a decision to be made on Kelechi Iheanacho, O'Neill is very short of forwards having had two loan forwards for the back-end of last season - both of which have returned.
The striker's department is one Celtic must add to this summer, and it will be interesting to see how any new additions impact Osmand's play-time. But there is always January, and there is always the chance of a loan move.
What is important is that Celtic don't rush into any decisions over young talent, and if the report is true, it's a positive that a young player like Osmand feels he has a chance of landing a starting spot, and that he is willing to stay and fight for it.
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