Martin O’Neill has left the door open for Julian Araujo to return to Celtic, although he admits Bournemouth’s position could make any deal difficult.
The defender spent the second half of last season on loan in Glasgow and made a positive impression before injury brought his campaign to an early end.
Araujo has since returned to Bournemouth, but O’Neill has made clear he would consider bringing him back if the conditions were right.
Speaking to the Daily Record, he said: “He did very well for us. He obviously picked up an injury at an inopportune time for him.
“We are talking about a fight for left back with Ally Johnston and Colby Donovan.”
O’Neill’s comments suggest he still sees room for another option in that area of the squad.
The biggest obstacle may be Bournemouth’s preference over the structure of any move.
O’Neill added: “I don’t know if Bournemouth would loan him out again, I would think they would want to sell him.
“I would keep it open, because you don’t know what could happen.”
That makes a permanent transfer look more likely than another temporary spell if Celtic decide to make a move.
Whether a sale would fall within Celtic’s budget remains to be seen, but O’Neill clearly has not ruled out the possibility.
He said: “If it was all within our scope it’s something I would definitely look at, because he would be up for the fight.
“I haven’t been in contact with him for a few weeks, but overall I don’t know what Bournemouth’s position in.”
The manager stopped short of confirming talks or any formal approach.
His comments are more an indication of interest than proof that a deal is being worked on.
His injury was badly timed, but O’Neill’s verdict shows the defender did enough before then to remain under consideration.
For now, any return depends on Bournemouth’s plans and whether Celtic believe a permanent move is affordable.
O’Neill has made his own position clear, though. If the deal becomes realistic, Araujo is a player he would be willing to look at again.
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