Shaun Maloney believes Celtic’s options on the flanks would be in a strong position if the club can recruit a winger capable of providing the qualities lost following Nicolas Kuhn’s departure.
The Hoops assistant was handed media responsibilities in Martin O’Neill’s absence and offered an update on how the coaching staff currently view their wide attacking options.
Celtic’s pursuit of Haissem Hassan has accelerated in recent days, with reports in both Scotland and Spain suggesting negotiations over a move for the Real Oviedo attacker are progressing towards a conclusion.
While Maloney stopped short of confirming the 24-year-old is close to arriving in Glasgow, he made it clear that Celtic are looking to add a particular type of player on the right flank.
Jota’s continued progress towards a return has strengthened the options available on the opposite side, with Maloney also name-checking Sebastian Tounekti and Hyunjun Yang.
Speaking about the depth Celtic could soon have on the left, Maloney said via Daily Record: “You then have Jota, Sebastian Tounekti and Hyunjun Yang.
“Yang obviously played there in the last game. I really like Yang off the left. Yeah, it’s really strong.
“We need to replace the profile that we lost in Nicolas Kuhn, because when you’ve got that sort of left-footed winger, you can attack differently.”
Maloney feels another addition with those characteristics could leave Celtic well stocked across the wide areas, particularly if there are no further departures before the transfer deadline.
He added: “On that right side, I think if we get one in with a certain profile and we keep everyone, I think that might be enough.
“Tounekti can play off the right, we’ve got young Sean McArdle coming through, we’ve got James Forrest.
“I think what we want is to feel like the nine position, where it’s really difficult to see who’s starting.
“But, yeah, let’s cross that bridge, hopefully, when we get some work done.”
Hassan would appear to fit the description outlined by Maloney, but the Celtic assistant insisted he has not been closely involved in the negotiations and could not provide a definitive indication of how advanced discussions are.
Asked directly whether the Egyptian international is the player Celtic are attempting to bring in, Maloney continued: “I’m not sure how close it is.
“I know there’s a lot of things in the media, but I’m not sure how close either is. I did mean what I said – generally, this has always been Martin and Michael.
“If I have to maybe give you the information in two or three days’ time, because Martin isn’t here, then fine. I might get briefed a bit more.”
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