Liverpool are looking to off-load Celtic-linked Harry Wilson in January, the Daily Star reports.
The Star believes that Jurgen Klopp wanted the winger to leave the club permanently over the summer, but they decided to reject a £12million offer from Burnley. The newspaper believes that Sean Dyche’s side have now dropped their interest.
Yet Liverpool are still keen to find a suitor before the window closes, the source reports. They state that Celtic were interested in taking the Welsh international in the summer window, but that the Hoops only ever had a loan deal in mind.
The Glasgow Times reported that a deadline-day move to Celtic also would’ve been unlikely due to Wilson’s wage demands.
Wilson currently has just under three years on his contract, meaning the Premier League champions remain in a healthy position when it comes to negotiations.
An incredible talent, but lessening the fee would attract others
With Liverpool not managing to sell him on during the summer, it’s not inconceivable that they would lower the fee for his services.
The problem for Celtic is that, whilst that would perhaps make him a touch more affordable, it would also increase the level of clubs willing to come in for him. Burnley, for example, would surely smell blood if the Anfield club decided to lower Wilson’s value.
Trying to lure players from the English Premier League to the Scottish Premiership is also a big obstacle. Considering there is almost certainly going to be interest in him from England’s top league, Celtic would surely have to offer him something extraordinary to sign here permanently.
It looks as though our best bet of bringing Wilson to Parkhead was indeed a loan switch that involved Liverpool paying a healthy portion of his wages. That doesn’t look to be in their thinking as January approaches. They reportedly want him off the wage bill.
Wilson managed to rack up 24 direct goal contributions in 50 appearances for Derby under Frank Lampard two seasons ago. He then managed 31 Premier League outings with Bournemouth last season, and already has 17 Wales caps to his name at only 23 years of age (Transfermarkt).
It will be interesting to see if Celtic’s search for a right-winger continues in January, but a move for Wilson looks optimistic.
In other news, Rangers reportedly have an injury concern ahead of their meeting with Celtic.
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