High-profile Celtic fan Alan Brazil believes Leicester City will show interest in Callum McGregor again in January, writing in his Sunday Post column (11/08 print edition, Post Match supplement page 24).
Manager Neil Lennon has confirmed there was recent interest in McGregor from the Foxes (BBC Scotland). An approach was made last week, with no official bid made.
The star midfielder has emerged as one of our most important players. Keeping him is critical to our nine-in-a-row chances.
Brazil though feels that if Celtic are comfortably ahead in the league by January, he could be sold. The radio host is certain Brendan Rodgers will come back in for him.
As quoted by The Sunday Post (11/08 print edition, Post Match supplement page 24), he said: “I’d be stunned if Brendan doesn’t try again when the transfer window reopens.
“Whether Celtic accept will have less to do with the fee on offer than how comfortable they feel in the title race.
“If they’re well clear of Rangers, £20m-plus might be enough to see McGregor follow his pal Tierney to the Premier League – especially if the player is keen.”
Is keeping McGregor possible?
As ever with Celtic, ultimately every player has his price. If a team, Leicester or otherwise, come in with a monster official offer realities may dictate McGregor departs.
The 26-year-old’s current game is undoubtedly at a level that could see him compete in the English Premier League. There’s nothing to suggest that, ability-wise, he couldn’t emulate others who have gone on to enjoy success in the English top-flight.
It’s doubtful there is zero ambition in the player to test himself regularly at the elite level. However, he has shown no serious sign of wanting to move any time soon.
You’d think there would have been some sort of hint he’s looking for a move away if he wanted it. Kieran Tierney had a few windows of ‘will he, won’t he’ speculation, for example.
A January sale should be completely out of the question too. Disrupting the squad by selling one of its key players mid-season could prove disastrous, even if we’re looking good in multiple competitions.
This is not an issue we should worry about until next summer. Even then, a lot will have to happen if there’s to be a departure.
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