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The National (Scotland)
The National (Scotland)
Sport
James McLaughlin

Martin O'Neill delivers double Celtic transfer update, gives verdict on Camilo Duran

(Image: PA)

Celtic manager Martin O'Neill has compared Camilo Duran to Daizen Maeda after his first goal for the club.

The Colombian striker scored in the 4–1 friendly defeat to Sporting CP, intercepting Daniel Braganca in the box before finishing. O'Neill said: "I said, ‘This is Daizen Maeda the second!’"

The gaffer believes Duran, who joined last week in a £5.5 million transfer from Qarabag, will be a key player for the team, praising his pressing style and goal-scoring ability.

O'Neill hinted at more signings before the transfer window closes, confirming Celtic's interest in Leicester City forward Kelechi Iheanacho. He said, "We’re trying to come to some sort of agreement with Iheanacho, but we are definitely making moves.

"I am in constant touch with Michael [Nicholson]. I’m very hopeful [about Iheanacho]."


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However, he admitted that some players would need to leave to balance the squad. On the return of Julian Araujo to Bournemouth for pre-season following his loan spell at Celtic, O'Neill said: "I felt he did very well for us.

"He obviously picked up an injury at an inopportune time for him. We are talking about a fight for right-back with Ali Johnston and Colby Donovan."

O'Neill suggested that Araujo's return to Parkhead could be a possibility, but it would depend on Bournemouth's intentions. "I don’t know if Bournemouth would loan him out again, I would think they would want to sell him.

"I would keep it open, because you don’t know what could happen. If it was all within our scope, it’s something I would definitely look at, because he would be up for the fight.

"I haven’t been in contact with him for a few weeks, but overall I don’t know what Bournemouth’s position is."

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