Celtic boss Ange Postecoglou made a key admission in the wake of his side missing out on Riley McGree.
The 56-year-old insisted there was no next target lined up after his compatriot decided to plump for Middlesbrough over a switch to the Premiership title challengers.
But things move quickly and a £1.5m deal for Matt O'Riley is nearing completion, as the player is expected in Glasgow for his medical.
It makes sense with David Turnbull a long-term absentee and Tom Rogic heading off on international duty ahead a run of key fixtures.
And that man is the MK Dons star turn star turn, a midfielder who has netted seven goals this season for the League One promotion hopefuls.
The 21-year-old has filled multiple roles since turning his loan switch from Fulham into a permanent one.
And it's understood the Cottagers are due a sizeable fee, around 50 per cent, for a player who was raised in the club's famed academy.
Record Sport runs the rule over O'Riley and what he would bring to Celtic.
Who is he?
O'Riley is a left-footed midfielder who can play in various roles. O'Riley had a taste of first team action at Fulham but has made his name with MK Dons.
The former England youth international has established himself as one of the best players in League One over the past two seasons and his eye for the target has been pivotal for a side who a real shot of automatic promotion.
He has experience playing deeper but is also expected to get forward and support attacks, something which is a non-negotiable in the way Postecoglou's side play.
What would be bring to Celtic?
A bit of everything.
He is firm in the tackle but it's his exploits in front of goal that mark him out.
His seven strikes have happened because he is a regular goal threat week in, week out.
O'Riley has averaged 2.5 shots per game over the past six weeks and is a constant menace in the final third.
But he pops up everywhere and looks an obvious fit for a team who like their men in the middle to swap roles.
Does he compare to anyone?
A 6ft 2in playmaker who likes to take the ball for a walk, that sounds a lot like Rogic.
It would be remiss to say he's like the Wizard of Oz, however, there is plenty of similarities in terms of stature and an innate ability to wriggle free in tight situations.
O'Riley is no slouch and appears the prototypical attacking option that every manager covets.
And he loves a dink ball, many of his assists come from his ability to loft a pass over defenders, something the likes of Daizen Maeda and Kyogo Furhashi will feast upon.
What has been said about him?
Former boss Russell Martin waxed lyrical about his one-time charge and admitted he is a player he was keen on. But now looks set to miss out.
The Swansea manager said: "Matt O’Riley is a fantastic player but he’s an MK Dons player. He would be a permanent addition that would take a certain level of investment for him to become a player away from MK Dons.
"Before we do any business, especially permanently, it will take investment coming in.
"The club is in a very different position financially than it has been for the last, however long, and we have to respect that and make sure that we’re planning accordingly.
"But I don't want to comment on any individual players. He’s a guy I've got a lot of respect for as a player and a person.
"I wish him nothing but success in his career. He’s having a fantastic season and lucky for MK Dons they have a player with so much ability."
Verdict
It's pretty good one.
A key strength under Postecoglou has been Celtic's ability to get players who suit the frenzied style that their manager loves.
O'Riley has the legs to get around the pitch and he is all about breaking lines, as well as picking out team-mates with his superior vision.
His best days are ahead of him and he has jumped at the chance to join a side who are in the mix for trophies this season and beyond.
