Celtic transfer state of play on Fraser, Merlin and Podence as Kieran Tierney ‘pole position’ suitor becomes clear
The Hoops could be in for a busy end to the transfer market amid swirling links.
There’s been plenty of big name rumours but now the transfer finishing line is rolling into sight for Celtic.
After the arrival of Gustaf Lagerbielke from Elfsborg – the defender posied to make his debut away at Kilmarnocck in the Viaplay Cup this Sunday – the Premiership champions have been linked with a host of Premier League names. Ryan Fraser, Daniel Podence, Eric Dier, Kieran Tierney and Michail Antonio have all had a passing mention, as have Man City youngsters Tommy Doyle and James McAteen
But it’s not just England where Rodgers appears to be looking for his next move, as Quentin Merlin of Nantes is rumoured to be a target, albeit with a hefty £7m price tag. All focus is on cup action at Rugby Park for now but fans are eager to see if their club makes a big splash in the market. Here is the latest rumours surrounding Celtic.
Fans have been hunting clues on the Portuguese winger ever since reports claiming Celtic’s interest was established. But Rodgers was taking nothing to do with them in his pre-Killie presser.
He responded to questioning for an update on speculation surrounding the Wolves star with a simple “no”. It has tempered expectations around the 27-year-old, with the Molineux club looking to sell so they can focus on bringing in targets of their own.
It was the same story when it came to Newcastle United’s outcast winger. He hasn’t kicked a ball in anger since last October but it was claimed Rodgers wants to make the Scotland international a Celtic player.
But when asked about the 29-year-old, the Irishman made his stance clear when asked if there was anything to report on that rumour – “none at all”. Newcastle are said to not be demanding a significant fee so they can get his wages off the books.
Rumours of an emotional return to Celtic have faded into the background but staying in the UK might not be an option for Tierney. Newcastle were strongly linked but appear to be turning their attention towards Chelsea’s Lewis Hall.
READ MORE:
ALEX’S ANGLE: GOALKEEPERS, GUNSLINGERS AND GOLDFISH
The netminder who is immune from the odd clanger has yet to be born. It’s the last line of defence in which an error or a moment’s aberration will usually prove fatal.
Hart has made a mistake or two, that comes with the job description. All it takes is one person to attempt to pick through some phantasmal or perceived character flaws and it’s the snowball that starts the avalanche.
Suddenly, it’s open season on an unfortunate individual and his previous good work and solid reliability vanish into the ether.
Some of the stuff being spouted at the moment about Hart’s quality simply borders on the hysterical.
Some of the stuff being spouted at the moment about Hart’s quality simply borders on the hysterical.
There appears to be an element among the support and the so-called expert media pundits who are imploring Brendan Rodgers to bring in a new shotstopper as a priority signing before the transfer window closes at midnight on August 31.
Don’t be overly-surprised if those unenlightened pleas fall on deaf ears.
I understand the Celtic manager should be exploring the goalkeeping market. That makes sound sense. The second time-around manager inherited three netminders who are all on the wrong side of thirty.
Hart is 36 while back-up pair Benji Siegrist and Scott Bain are 31. I don’t subscribe to the view footballers should be dragged off and turned into a pot of glue when they pass the magical thirty mark.
Goalkeepers are probably at their peak around the 28-year-old stage when their game craft should be honed to near-perfection. I’ve watched custodians who have been lauded for their spectacular athleticism which would be welcomed in the Olympics or a circus.
As time goes by, they can no longer rely on their spryness and it shows. A lack of anticipation or all-round awareness will be flagged up for all to see. It’s around that time they are told not to bother investing in another season’s supply of gloves.
A former Celtic No. 1 of my acquaintance remains a massive fan of old Wild West movies with John Wayne his unmatchable Hollywood legend. He has an interesting take on the art of keeping the ball out of the rigging.
“Goalkeepers and gunslingers have a lot in common when you think about it,” he insists.
“They both have a split-second to get it right. One moment of hesitation and it’s normally terminal. There’s usually no way back if they stall or waver.
“A keeper can’t dither when a ball is dropping into a packed penalty box. Does he come into traffic to try to claim the cross? Or does he remain on his line?
“He has to make up his mind in an instant. It’s just like the gunfighter when he goes for his gun. His timing has to be absolute perfection or he’ll face the consequences.”
