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 Ben Jacobs.

Manager Martin O’Neill wants to strengthen his attack. However, Lazio, Bournemouth, Wolverhampton Wanderers and Birmingham City are also keen on the 26-year-old attacker.

https://twitter.com/JacobsBen/status/2011397041444790397?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw

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 transfer window.

Otele is set to leave Basel this winter, and they will consider offers in excess of €7 million.

He has bagged 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, he 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, but will fancy their chances of 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 considerable boost.

They were linked with their former striker Kyogo Furuhashi earlier this month, but he is expected to remain with Birmingham.

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