Report: Celtic drop interest in Bournemouth winger Jordon Ibe

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Celtic will not pursue a deadline day deal for Jordon Ibe, according to The Glasgow Evening Times. Ibe had been linked with a late-summer move to Celtic with Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe mulling over the deal.

But Celtic have dropped their interest in the Cherries winger after signing Mohamed Elyounoussi from Southampton. Neil Lennon is now happy with his attacking midfield options and Ibe is no longer needed at Parkhead.

Ibe will remain at Bournemouth until January. He has featured three times this season (twice in the league) but is not a regular any more. Harry Wilson’s summer arrival pushed Ibe down the pecking order for the south coast club.

Celtic were keen on bringing in the 23-year-old with Scott Sinclair’s future in doubt. However, Elyounoussi has completed Lennon’s plans in the wide areas. Ibe’s hopes of becoming a Bhoy appear to be over for now.

TBR’s view

Ibe would have been a risky but potentially exciting signing. The speedy winger has shown plenty of potential but has not yet achieved the heights expected of him. In a new environment with a bigger role, Ibe could have shown his worth.

Celtic do not need another winger today, though. Elyounoussi will be battling Ryan Christie, James Forrest, Mikey Johnston and others for starting spots. But his arrival could lead to Sinclair and Marian Shved leaving Celtic – perhaps a loan stint for the latter.