Peter Odemwingie explains what he told Celtic target Henry Onyekuru about potential Parkhead switch

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Celtic tried to bring the Eupen youngster to Parkhead during the January transfer window.

Peter Odemwingie has explained to the Daily Record that he spoke to Henry Onyekuru during the January transfer window and encouraged him to make a move to Celtic.

Lex Immers explains reason he rejected Celtic in January despite Hoops offering better financial deal

The Record reports that the Hoops attempted to bring the 19-year-old to Parkhead last month, but were unable to make an offer which met Eupen’s demands.

However, it appears that those rejections are simply delaying the inevitable as the Record adds that the Belgian side will allow the Nigerian to leave in the summer and that he is keen to join the Scottish Premiership side when he does move on.

Peter Odemwingie

And it would appear that Hoops fans have former Premier League striker Odemwingie to partially thank for pushing the teenager towards Scotland, as judging by what he claims to have told Onyekuru, he only had positive things to say about the Bhoys.

“Henry phoned me in January and explained the situation,” he said, as reported by the Record.

“He said he had a few offers here and there and wasn’t too happy at his Belgian club and wanted to leave.

“He asked me specifically about Celtic and I told him first and foremost they are a big club, they give youngsters a chance and it’s a step closer to the English Premier League.

“Even for someone like me looking in from the outside I was able to list so many positives about moving to Celtic and he seemed to agree – but he had other options. Once we had our conversation it was out of my hands.”

Onyekuru has been hugely impressive this season, scoring 10 times in the Belgian top flight while also contributing six assists.

Celtic target Henry Onyekuru confirms Eupen will allow him to leave this summer

And with plenty of time to develop further, he surely is well on his way to becoming a very special player who could play a big part in helping Celtic continue their domestic dominance while also perhaps helping the club make a bigger impression in Europe.