Celtic reportedly provide Martin O’Neill with a huge transfer budget as his first signing faces obstacles during a period of four players leaving.

Celtic could be preparing for a significant summer rebuild under returning manager Martin O’Neill, with reports suggesting the club are ready to provide the veteran coach with a substantial transfer fund as he prepares for a second spell in charge at Parkhead.

The experienced manager, who remains one of the most popular figures in Celtic’s modern history, is expected to be officially unveiled as the club’s new boss ahead of the upcoming campaign. O’Neill enjoyed tremendous success during his previous tenure in Glasgow’s east end and is now reportedly close to completing a remarkable return to the dugout.

Bobby Clark is in the middle of a loan spell with Derby County(Image: Getty Images)

After guiding Celtic to domestic success last season, including Premiership and Scottish Cup glory, discussions have reportedly taken place between O’Neill and influential club figure Dermot Desmond regarding a one-year agreement that would see the 74-year-old return as manager.

Although the club have yet to make an official announcement regarding the appointment, O’Neill is widely viewed as the leading candidate for the position. Former Celtic striker Robbie Keane has also been linked with the vacancy, but speculation continues to grow that O’Neill will ultimately be handed the role.

As anticipation surrounding his return intensifies, fresh claims have emerged regarding the scale of financial support he could receive from the Celtic hierarchy.

Former Celtic forward Frank McAvennie has suggested that the club’s board are prepared to provide O’Neill with a transfer budget worth approximately £40 million in an effort to strengthen the squad.

Speaking on his podcast, McAvennie revealed that he had heard significant funds would be made available to the incoming manager. According to the former striker, the substantial budget reflects the club’s desire to reshape the squad and ensure Celtic remain competitive both domestically and in European competition.

McAvennie also stressed that player departures could be just as important as new arrivals during the coming months.

In his view, Celtic currently possess a number of players who may need to move on before the squad can be fully refreshed. While some departures could result in financial losses compared to the fees originally paid, he believes reducing the wage bill and creating room for new signings would still represent a positive outcome.

The former striker went on to identify several players he believes could leave Parkhead this summer.

Among those mentioned was winger Michel-Ange Balikwisha, whom McAvennie feels may struggle to establish himself as a regular starter.

While acknowledging that Balikwisha could potentially flourish elsewhere if given consistent opportunities, McAvennie suggested that his prospects of securing significant playing time at Celtic appear limited. As a result, he believes a transfer could suit both the player and the club.

McAvennie also shared his thoughts on several other members of the squad, predicting a mixture of departures and retained players.

He expressed confidence that midfielder Arne Engels would remain at Celtic despite transfer speculation surrounding a number of key performers.

However, he was less optimistic about the futures of Benjamin Nygren, Daizen Maeda and Reo Hatate.

According to McAvennie, all three could potentially leave the club before the start of next season, although he emphasised that these predictions were based on his personal opinion rather than confirmed information.

Should those departures materialise, Celtic would likely need to move quickly in the transfer market to reinforce several areas of the squad.

One player who has emerged as a possible target is Bobby Clark.

The talented midfielder has attracted growing interest following his loan spell with Derby County and could become one of the first players targeted under O’Neill’s anticipated leadership.

Reports last month indicated that Celtic were monitoring Clark’s situation closely as he prepared to return to RB Salzburg following the completion of his temporary stay in England.

The former Liverpool youngster has found opportunities limited in Austria, and there is increasing speculation that Salzburg would be willing to sanction a permanent transfer this summer.

According to reports emerging from Austria, the player has attracted the attention of Celtic’s new sporting director Marcus Mann.

Mann is believed to be overseeing a number of recruitment plans while simultaneously attempting to reduce costs within the existing squad structure.

As part of that strategy, Salzburg are reportedly keen to lower their wage expenditure, and Clark’s departure is viewed as one possible avenue through which savings could be achieved.

That situation has naturally alerted several clubs across Europe, with Celtic among those monitoring developments.

The possibility of securing a player with Clark’s pedigree at a reduced fee is understood to be particularly appealing.

Having progressed through Liverpool’s academy system before moving abroad, the midfielder remains highly regarded and is viewed as a player capable of developing significantly over the coming years.

However, any attempt by Celtic to secure his signature is unlikely to be straightforward.

Despite reports suggesting Salzburg could be open to selling the midfielder, competition for his services appears to be intensifying rapidly.

According to reports from England, Clark has attracted interest from numerous clubs ahead of the summer transfer window.

The Derby Telegraph has claimed that at least six clubs are actively monitoring the situation and could enter the race to sign the midfielder.

Such widespread interest highlights the regard in which the player is held and increases the likelihood of a competitive transfer battle developing over the coming weeks.

For Celtic, that means securing Clark may require swift action and a convincing proposal if they hope to fend off rival suitors.

Adding further complexity to the situation is reported interest from West Ham United.

The London club are said to be considering a move for Clark following their relegation from the Premier League and are believed to view him as a player capable of contributing to their rebuilding efforts.

West Ham’s involvement could significantly strengthen the competition for the midfielder’s signature, particularly given the club’s financial resources and ability to offer English football.

Clark remains under contract with Salzburg for another three years, meaning the Austrian club are not under immediate pressure to sell.

Nevertheless, with Salzburg reportedly eager to trim expenses and several clubs expressing interest, a transfer this summer remains a realistic possibility.

For Celtic, the coming weeks could prove crucial. If O’Neill is officially confirmed as manager and the reported £40 million transfer budget materialises, supporters will expect significant movement in the market.

A number of departures may be required before the squad can be reshaped, but the potential arrival of talented players such as Clark would signal a clear intent to strengthen.

As preparations for the new campaign gather pace, attention will remain firmly focused on Parkhead, where a managerial return, a sizeable transfer fund and major squad changes could combine to make this one of Celtic’s most important summers in recent years.