Journalist Anthony Joseph has offered his view on how Celtic’s transfer operation works behind the scenes, raising questions over where responsibility sits when deals reach the negotiation stage.

Speaking on Celtic Fans TV, Joseph discussed the number of people involved in recruitment and suggested chief executive Michael Nicholson can carry a significant workload when Celtic are trying to complete business.

As part of that wider discussion, Joseph also referenced Dermot Desmond.

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He said: “But in terms of actually doing the deals just really Michael Nicholson who needs the approval of Dermot Desmond at times to sort of get things over the line and that’s why you often see hold-ups.”

CeltsAreHere understands that, on the football side, Martin O’Neill has the final say on the players he wants to bring in, as he has consistently made clear publicly. Any proposed deal must then be assessed within the club’s financial parameters and budget constraints.

The wider point Joseph was making centred on the structure around recruitment and who ultimately takes responsibility for completing transfers.

Joseph has also questioned whether Celtic currently have one clearly defined figure overseeing the entire football operation.

His comments come after another summer window in which Celtic completed a number of deals late in the process.

The club brought in several players during the closing stages, while other targets did not ultimately arrive.

Joseph’s comments provide his interpretation of how some of those negotiations are handled internally, rather than a confirmed account from Celtic of its approval process.

With the January window approaching, attention will again turn towards how Celtic identify, negotiate and complete their transfer business as Martin O’Neill looks to shape his squad for the second half of the season.