Celtic set to pull plug on transfer and make major call on defender

The Premiership champions had been closing in on a £2 million transfer for Ta Bi, a 20-year-old Ivorian who currently plays for Hapoel Petah Tikva in the Israeli top flight.

Ta Bi has not played for his club since December 15, where he featured for 25 minutes in a 2-2 draw with Hapoel Tel Aviv. He injured his knee and it is reported that medical examinations suggest that he may now require surgery.

Celtic are keen to sign a new right winger before the end of the transfer window and are now exploring their options. One potential target could be Uruguayan internationalist Ignacio Laquintana, who currently plays for Red Bull Bragantino in the Brazilian top flight.

Yang Hyun-jun and James Forrest are Celtic’s principal options on the right and interim manager Martin O’Neill has identified the position as an area that requires strengthening, as well as a new No 9.

Yang’s long-term future at Celtic is also in doubt. He was the subject of transfer interest from Birmingham City during the last transfer window and while he has scored twice in his past two matches, including a stunning strike against Rangers, he could move during January.

Meanwhile, Celtic have recalled central defender Stephen Welsh from his loan spell at fellow Premiership side Motherwell. Welsh has been a regular for Jens Berthel Askou’s Steelmen, making 17 appearances for the Fir Park outfit, but Celtic have decided to trigger a clause allowing him to return to Parkhead.

A statement from Motherwell read: “Defender Stephen Welsh has returned to his parent club, Celtic. Celtic informed the club last night that they wished to exercise the recall option within the loan deal to bring Welsh back to Parkhead.

“Signing a season-long loan deal on Deadline Day in August, Welsh made 17 appearances for the Steelmen in all competitions this season. We want to thank Stephen for his hard work during his time at Motherwell and wish him the very best for the future.”