Fresh twist in Sunderland and Celtic transfer battle for £2.5m winger as agent speaks out - reports
Sunderland were linked with Jocelin Ta Bi earlier this week.
Jocelin Ta Bi’s proposed transfer to Celtic seems to be back on the cards, despite speculation linking him with a move to Sunderland in recent days.
The Ivorian winger, who is based in Israel and has spent the past 18 months on loan at Hapoel Petah Tikva from Maccabu Netanya, looked set to wrap up a move to the Scottish champions earlier in the January window, only for the deal to supposedly unravel at the eleventh hour.
It was within this context that reports emerged from French outlet Foot Mercato suggesting that Sunderland were looking to hijack the agreement, with the publication even going as far as to claim that the Black Cats were in a “strong position” to secure his signature.
But in a fresh twist, reports from Israel, as relayed by the Daily Record, have stated that a £2.5 million move to Glasgow could still go ahead. It is understood that the reason behind a deal for Ta Bi initially being shelved was the discovery of an ankle ligament problem during his medical. Now, however, this latest update claims that the 20-year-old is set to travel to London as Celtic seek a second opinion on the severity of his injury, and whether or not he will require surgery.
As for Sunderland, the Record claim that any prospect of a switch to the Stadium of Light has been soundly shut down by his agent, leaving Martin O’Neill’s side very much in the driving seat to wrap up a transfer if they wish.
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What has Jocelin Ta Bi said about proposed Celtic transfer amid Sunderland transfer links?
As for Ta Bi himself, the player has already spoken openly about his desire to sign for Celtic. As quoted by the Daily Record: "Playing for a club like Celtic is a dream come true for me. But without the support and love I received in Israel, I would not have reached these levels. The decision to come here and the trust I received from the club and my friends led me to progress.
"I will not forget the period I have had on loan at Hapoel Petah Tikva and the love and warmth that surrounded me. I am going to fulfil a big dream, at a famous club and in one of the best stadiums in the world."
Predominantly operating off the right flank, the rising star has garnered plenty of praise and attention in recent months for his dribbling ability and the quality of his left foot. So far this season, he has scored two goals and assisted two more across a dozen outings in the Israeli top flight, and also played a key role in Hapoel Petah Tikva securing promotion last term.
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