Former Republic of Ireland goalkeeper Paddy Kenny has been reacting to the news that Celtic are closing in on permanent deals for loanees Cameron Carter-Vickers and Jota, as per Football Insider.
The Lowdown: Hoops wasting no time
The Hoops already have four winter additions through the door in the space of nine days. Young Irish forward Johnny Kenny has joined Japanese trio Reo Hatate, Yosuke Ideguchi and Daizen Maeda at Lennoxtown, arriving from Sligo Rovers in his homeland.
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Ange Postecoglou has now turned his attention to securing permanent deals for Carter-Vickers and Jota, and it appears as if talks with respective parent clubs Tottenham and Benfica are going well.
The Latest: Kenny’s comments
According to Football Insider, who were informed by a Celtic source on Saturday, the Hoops are closing in on the pair following successful talks with Spurs and Benfica in the week.
Kenny was asked by Football Insider for his thoughts on the news, to which he replied:
“It’s a huge statement for Celtic if they can get these deals done.
“That takes them to five new players for the window and we’re only a week in.
“People might not count them as new signings but they absolutely are. There would be no debate over where their loyalties lie.
“Both players have been massive for them this season and it’s an absolute no brainer to get them signed up permanently.
“It would be a huge statement too. Tottenham and Benfica are big clubs and some players might prefer to stay at those clubs instead of joining Celtic.
“That’s why this is big, it could herald a new pool of more high-profile targets who now see Celtic as a viable option.”
The Verdict: Any more?
Should Celtic fork out £12.5m for Carter-Vickers and Jota, that would bring their total January spend to just shy of £14.7m. Links have emerged to Australian duo Martin Boyle and Riley McGree, so there could well be space for a few more arrivals before the end of the month.
However, any further signings could depend on who they can offload over the coming weeks, with Celtic willing to entertain offers for Vasilis Barkas and Boli Bolingoli.
Barkas cost £4.5m and Bolingoli £3m, but the pair have been outcasts under Postecoglou, so the Hoops could be rather fortunate to receive respectable offers for their services. If they do manage to get them out, then those funds could be put towards more new signings, but fans may have to remain patient.
In other news: Celtic may now sign £4.5m-rated man on loan; would 'separate' Nicholson from Lawwell