Shaun Maloney handled media duties in Martin O’Neill’s absence and outlined the type of wide player Celtic are seeking, while stopping short of confirming how close Haissem Hassan is to arriving.
Shaun Maloney has outlined the profile Celtic want to add out wide, saying a right-sided signing with the required characteristics could leave the club well stocked across the front line before the window shuts.
The assistant manager was handed media responsibilities with Martin O’Neill unavailable, a situation covered in more detail in The Celtic Star’s update on the manager’s absence. Maloney’s comments came as reports in Scotland and Spain suggested talks over Real Oviedo winger Haissem Hassan were progressing towards a conclusion.
Jota’s progress towards a return has strengthened Celtic’s options on the left, alongside Sebastian Tounekti and Hyunjun Yang. Maloney said the club need to replace the profile lost following Nicolas Kuhn’s departure, particularly the different attacking options offered by a left-footed winger.
Wide options and the required profile
Speaking via the Daily Record, Maloney highlighted Jota, Tounekti and Yang as options on the left, adding that Yang had played there in the previous game and that he likes him in that role.
Maloney said another signing on the right, with a particular profile, could provide sufficient depth if Celtic retain their current players. He noted that Tounekti can play on the right, while Sean McArdle is coming through and James Forrest is also available. The aim, he said, is competition similar to that at centre-forward, where the starter is difficult to predict.
No confirmation on Hassan
Asked whether Hassan is the player Celtic are pursuing, Maloney said he could not say how close a deal might be. He acknowledged the volume of media reports but said he was not closely involved in the negotiations.
Maloney added that transfer work has generally been handled by Martin and Michael, and said he could be briefed further while Martin is away. He did not offer a definitive indication of how advanced discussions over Hassan are.
