Sky Sports: Celtic Open Talks to Sign Kelechi Iheanacho

Celtic are in talks to re-sign striker Kelechi Iheanacho and are eager to get the deal done as quickly as possible to give the Nigerian a full pre-season, according to Sky Sports. The Scottish giants signed Iheanacho on a free transfer last summer, agreeing a one-year deal with the option of a further year. The former Leicester City star scored nine goals in 24 appearances for the Bhoys, and this impressive return has prompted O'Neill to explore the possibility of activating this contract extension. The Northern Irishman's team's pre-season commenced earlier this week with a draw against Irish side Shelbourne, and continues over the next few weeks with games against Sporting CP, Middlesbrough and AC Milan. The Hoops are eager to sort Iheanacho's situation quickly so that they can have him available for these important warm-up matches. Celtic in Talks to Re-Sign Kelechi Iheanacho Celtic have been quiet thus far in the transfer window, although they are making moves to bolster O'Neill's attacking options. Camilo Duran has arrived from Qarabag for £6 million to provide lead striker Daizen Maeda with competition, or perhaps to replace the Japan international, who has been linked with a move to the Premier League. Duran netted 15 goals across all competitions for the Azerbaijani side last season. However, the acquisition of the Colombian isn't deemed sufficient for O'Neill. The veteran head coach wants another striker in his ranks, and rather than scouring the market for potential targets, is willing to offer Iheanacho another year at Celtic Park. Sky Sports journalist Anthony Joseph reports that the Glaswegian club are locked in negotiations with the 29-year-old's representatives over this new deal. The expectation is that an agreement will be reached, and relatively quickly, with the hope being that Iheanacho is given a full pre-season. The Nigeria international only joined Celtic in September last summer, meaning he missed out on pre-season and subsequently took time to acclimatise to life in Scotland. Celtic Could Lose Key Star This Summer Maeda may not be the only key player Celtic lose this summer. The Scottish champions regularly have to scramble to keep hold of their best players, and they're now bracing themselves for offers for one of their most pivotal stars. Arne Engles is a target for Premier League and European clubs, with Roma said to be leading the race to sign the 22-year-old midfielder. The Italian club expect to lose France midfielder Manu Kone this summer, and are subsequently exploring potential replacements. Engels is one of their primary targets, with Celtic reportedly valuing the Belgian at around €20-25 million. Sanctioning this sale at this price could help fund further reinforcements for O'Neill, who is looking to lead his side to yet another Scottish Premiership title next season.