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'Celtic have contacted': Martin O'Neill goes after first deal as £3.8m-valued World Cup star targeted

The Bhoys need to improve in most areas this summer
Tahirovic will be at the World Cup
Tahirovic will be at the World Cup | Bill Barrett/ISI Photos/GettyImages

Celtic are said to be expressing an interest in a midfielder as they prepare to kick off what will likely be a busy summer of business under new permanent boss Martin O'Neill.

The veteran has been confirmed as the new permanent manager at Parkhead following a double-winning campaign as interim boss. Celtic fans were made to wait for the appointment, but after the Northern Irishman's demands for a significant recruitment budget were met, an agreement has been in place since the start of the week.

Attention can now turn to preparations for the new season and beginning what will likely be a significant recruitment drive.

Celtic set their sights on midfielder

Celtic are said to be ready to push for a deal to sign Brondby midfielder Benjamin Tahrovic this summer as they gear up for what they hope will be a campaign with plenty of Champions League.

Sky journalist Gianluca Di Marzio has said: "Celtic really want Benjamin Tahirovic. They really like him, but of course I can't guarantee that they will complete the deal with Brondby and sign him.

"I know that Celtic have contacted Brøndby to ask for necessary information such as the price of Tahirovic and the possibility of signing him. All I can say is that Celtic really want him and are still trying to sign him."

Tahirovic is a 23-year-old Bosnian midfielder who will be at the World Cup, with Bosnia kicking off their campaign against hosts Canada on Friday. He has a strong youth background, coming through at AS Roma and Ajax, ultimately leaving the latter for Brondby last year.

He racked up 32 appearances across all competitions last season and impressed enough to win a World Cup call-up without any real doubts. The Swedish-born star is an out-and-out midfielder who will get his hands dirty defensively.

According to Transfermarkt, he has a current value of around £3.8million and is under contract with Brondby until 2028 as things stand. Celtic would likely have to reach tha value and perhaps a little more to get a deal done this summer, while there is potential for his value to rise further should he impress with his nation at the World Cup.

The summer tournament so often helps clubs cash in on players who play well for their respective countries. Although, it also delays business, and with Tahirovic busy at the World Cup, it's unlikely a deal can be done until his campaign in North America draws to a close.

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