Martin O’Neill has ruled out Celtic signing Tiémoué Bakayoko after reports linked the former Chelsea and AC Milan midfielder with a move to Parkhead.

It was claimed on Friday that Celtic had been “running the rule” over the 32-year-old during the international break.

O’Neill has now publicly confirmed that position.

“They say he’s been down here for the last couple of weeks, I haven’t seen him,” the Celtic manager said when asked about Bakayoko at his Friday press conference, quoted by the Herald.

“We won’t be taking on anybody at this minute.

“If we’re still in and around the scene by January time, then we can have a look.”

O’Neill’s answer removes any suggestion that Bakayoko was being assessed by the manager or training with a view to earning a Celtic contract.

Initial reports had suggested that the Hoops were considering adding the defensive midfielder to their squad.

As a free agent, Bakayoko could have been registered for domestic competitions outside the transfer window. However, he would have been ineligible to represent Celtic in the Europa League until UEFA squads can be updated.

The former France international has been without a club since leaving PAOK in July 2025 and hasn’t kicked a ball since 2024, when Joe Biden was still in the White House.

He previously held discussions with Celtic in February, but the Hoops instead completed a move for Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.

Bakayoko would have provided the physical midfield profile many supporters believe Celtic currently lack, particularly after O’Neill’s side were overpowered during their recent defeats to Rangers.

His lack of competitive football would also have raised major concerns over how quickly he could become ready to play. That debate is now irrelevant.

O’Neill has not watched Bakayoko train and Celtic will not be adding anybody to the squad at this stage.