O’Neill ‘Very Hopeful’ of Iheanacho Return to Celtic

Celtic manager Martin O’Neill has revealed that the club remains in discussions with Kelechi Iheanacho over a possible return to Glasgow.

The Nigeria international is currently a free agent after the expiration of the one-year contract he signed with Celtic last summer.

Although the club had an option to extend the agreement for another season, the deadline passed without the option being activated. Any potential return would therefore require Celtic and the player to negotiate a new contract.

Speaking to the Daily Record, O’Neill confirmed that the club is still working towards an agreement with the experienced striker.

‘We’re trying to come to some sort of agreement with Iheanacho,’ O’Neill said.

‘I’m very hopeful.’

Iheanacho endured an inconsistent first season at the club, with injuries limiting his opportunities and making it difficult for him to establish a regular run in the starting line-up.

However, the former Manchester City and Leicester City forward made a significant impact during the closing stages of the campaign.

He scored important goals during Celtic’s title run-in and also played a key role in the Scottish Cup as the club completed a domestic double.

That late-season contribution appears to have strengthened O’Neill’s desire to bring the Nigerian back for another campaign.