Celtic want Basel winger Philip Otele | OneFootball

Celtic are interested in signing Basel winger Philip Otele before the end of the winter transfer window, according to journalist and transfer insider Ben Jacobs.

Celtic manager Martin O’Neill wants to strengthen his attack and the Hoops want Otele at Parkhead.

However, the Bhoys will face competition from the likes of Lazio, Bournemouth, Wolverhampton Wanderers and Birmingham City for the services of the 26-year-old attacker.

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Celtic have bolstered their defensive ranks by signing Mexican full-back Julian Araujo on loan from Bournemouth, but further additions are expected before the end of the window.

Otele is set to leave Basel this winter and the Swiss Super League club will consider offers in excess of €7 million for the Hoops target.

He has eight goals and five assists in 30 appearances this term after ending last term with nine league goals and four assists.

While Otele is naturally right-footed, the Nigerian has mostly been deployed as a left winger at Basel.

He can also play on the right and as a striker, which is one of the reasons Celtic are attracted to him.

They are playing in the Europa League this term and challenging for major silverware, which could appeal to Otele.

The Bhoys are six points behind Scottish Premiership leaders Hearts after 21 games and will fancy their chances of catching up and successfully defending the league title in the second half of the campaign.

Celtic will need to make quality additions to their squad this month if they want to retain their title, and signing Otele could be a huge boost.

They were linked with their former striker Kyogo Furuhashi earlier this month, but the 30-year-old Japanese forward is expected to remain with Birmingham City.

O’Neill is casting his net wider and more names could emerge in the days ahead as he looks to lead Celtic to glory after returning for the second time this term.