Celtic are set to reignite their interest in January transfer target Kasper Hogh, with the Bodo/Glimt striker still on the club's radar.
Whether Martin O'Neill stays in the dugout or not, one of the first things the Hoops need to do after appointing a manager is start to make moves in the transfer market. There are many players set to depart Parkhead, so we need new names through the door sooner rather than later.
After Bodo/Glimt's success in the UEFA Champions League this season, you would feel that striker Hogh would be a top target, and thankfully, it seems that is the case.
According to Stephen McGowan, Celtic's interest in Hogh has been resurrected as they continue their search for a manager. He is the striker who scored against the likes of Manchester City, Atletico Madrid and Inter Milan, and he has scored five goals in nine league games since their season started in April.
With the future of the No. 9 position being unknown, the Hoops could make a move for him quickly. It is yet to be decided whether the club will offer Kelechi Iheanacho an extended contract or what their plans are for the returning Johnny Kenny or Callum Osmand, so the position could be up for grabs.
Daizen Maeda has now played his final game for the club, and according to Celts Are Here, Hogh could be the perfect replacement. In their analysis, they say that he 'presses hard' and 'runs channels aggressively', so he could be exactly what we need ahead of next season.
Osmand, Iheanacho, Kenny, or make a move for Hogh?
Osmand is surely staking his claim to have a run of games at the start of the next campaign, but that doesn't mean that Celtic shouldn't move for other options. The young player certainly has a future here, but Hogh is such an appealing option that we need to ask the question.
He has already proven that he can do it at the European level, and with the Hoops struggling there last season, being knocked out in the qualifier by Kairat Almaty, that is an important attribute. His value is surely rising by the day, so we may need to move soon if we want to make the deal possible.
There will be other clubs keen on him, but since we identified him as a target early, that gives us a head start.
That leaves Iheanacho and Kenny.
Kenny has been in fine form at Bolton and even got them promoted to the English Championship. Their fans clearly want him to sign permanently, but the Irishman has expressed his dream of playing for Celtic regularly, so if there is a chance, he could try and take it.
Iheanacho started to find his feet at the end of the season, and there is clearly something there. If he can get fit in pre-season, that will be a major boost, but will the Hoops even offer him an extended deal?
It is yet to be seen, but we certainly have options. Let's hope it doesn't take too long to decide on things.
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