Following the revelation yesterday that Brighton & Hove Albion are prepared to break the Scottish transfer record in order to sign Matt O’Riley, optimism has grown that a deal can be reached.
Brendan Rodgers has stated that, should the Denmark international leave, he would like two reinforcements in the engine room, given the possibility of movement between now and the deadline.
Arne Engels, a player for Augsburg, is reportedly interested in joining Celtic despite Rennes’ interest because he wants to play Champions League football.
New information that surfaced last week suggested that the Bhoys would try Dundee’s commitment to captain Luke McCowan, who is available at £1 million.
Hibernian have seen several bids turned down for the former Ayr United man as speculation continues to intensify surrounding his future. Tony Docherty has now addressed rumours involving his prize asset.
McCowan, who is thought to be a useful player for Celtic given their busy schedule, has excelled in Dundee this season, making seven appearances in all competitions and tallying three goals and six assists.
Although there is an offer on the table in Tayside, Dundee manager Docherty has said he hasn’t agreed to an extension of his contract, which is scheduled to end at Dens Park next summer.
According to The Courier, when asked about his future, Docherty has been evasive, saying, “Absolutely nothing, nothing since Saturday.”
He participated in our regular analysis session on Monday and resumed training with the group. Nothing more to say, then.
It goes without saying that transfers will occur if O’Riley decides to leave Celtic. To handle the demands of a campaign in which his team intends to compete for hardware on all fronts, Rodgers will require more depth.
McCowan has been linked to the Bhoys, and if their initial interest materializes, he would be a wise addition. The 26-year-old, who made an impression at Dens Park, is a native of Scotland and has demonstrated Scottish Premiership experience.
He would not, however, be an exact replica of O’Riley. Engels or Alvyn Sanches, an offensive midfielder for Lausanne-Sport who is also drawing interest from Nice, Burnley, and Anderlecht, are the most probable candidates to deliver that.
For Celtic, time is of the essence, and the team must perform. It’s time to take action because the club’s summer transfer business has been causing restlessness and frustration.