Celtic could go for Tiemoue Bakayoko if Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain does not join them | OneFootball

Celtic could reconsider a move for Tiemoue Bakayoko if they cannot reach an agreement with Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, according to Sky Sports.

Celtic manager Martin O’Neill wants to bring Oxlade-Chamberlain to the Scottish Premiership, and the Hoops were reportedly in advanced talks earlier today.

However, the Bhoys have a plan B should another club pip them to the former Arsenal star, with Bakayoko on their radar.

The French midfielder is also currently a free agent and has been without a club since leaving Super League Greece club PAOK last year.

Celtic are confident he can improve their squad and could make a move for him in the coming hours if his English counterpart turns them down.

Bakayoko spent a season in the Premier League with Chelsea in 2017-18, leaving to play for the likes of AC Milan, Napoli and AS Monaco on loan before his deal ended.

He joined Lorient in 2023 before leaving for Greece the following season, and the 31-year-old could be open to joining Celtic given their status as the biggest team in Scotland.

Bakayoko will get a chance to win domestic silverware regularly and play continental football, which could appeal to him as he looks to get his career back on track.

Celtic will only consider a move for him if a deal for Oxlade-Chamberlain falls through, but O’Neill wants to sign the former Liverpool man after speaking with him.

The Hoops are exploring the free transfer market despite recruiting five players on loan in the winter window, and more names could emerge in the coming days.