CELTIC have been told that Stoke City striker Kenwyne Jones won’t be going anywhere on-loan.
Express Sport understands that the English Premier League side received an approach from an English-based agent asking about the Trinidad and Tobago star’s availability on behalf of the Hoops.
Work came back from Stoke boss Tony Pulis, however, that wouldn’t be interested in loaning Jones out.
Celtic manager Neil Lennon has made it no secret that he is looking to land a big, tall physical striker in this transfer window and the big 27-year-old would certainly have fitted the bill.
Former Sunderland star Jones has fallen down the pecking order at the Britannia Stadium and Lennon hoped he might have got him out on a short-term deal to strengthen their SPL charge.
The Celtic manager will now need to consider a list of alternative options, with Scotland’s on-form striker Jordan Rhodes being constantly linked with a move to Parkhead.
Lennon will also need to step up his search for a striker with the news that Mohamed Bangura is to see a specialist over a knee problem. The Sierra Leone hitman has had constant problems since he moved from AIK Stockholm in August. He will now seek advice before he is told what is the best course of action and how long he will be sidelined for.
Meanwhile, reports from down south have claimed that Newcastle have now agreed a fee to sign Fraser Forster on a permanent basis – but that is not a new development. The transfer fee, in the region of £2 million, was agreed between the two clubs back in the summer. Any permanent deal would now require Forster to agree terms with Celtic and so far those discussions are still to be opened.
Tottenham are also keen on Forster, along with James Forrest, and have watched him in recent weeks but if they were to try and sign Forster then they would need to buy-out Celtic’s options.
Celtic are still waiting on back-up goalkeeper Lukasz Zaluska to sign his contract. The Hoops have also confirmed Paddy McCourt and Mikael Lustig have both returned to full training after recent injuries.