Report: Celtic interested in West Ham's Marcus Browne

By Hamish Carton

June 11, 2019

Celtic have been credited with an interest in West Ham United’s Marcus Browne. Goal report that the Hoops are one of many clubs interested in the 21-year-old midfielder.

(Photo by West Ham United FC/West Ham United via Getty Images)

However, if they want to take the Englishman up the road then they may have to be patient. That’s because the Hammers want to have a look at him in pre-season.

The right-footer spent last year on loan at Oxford United, helping them to a 12th placed finish in League One. He netted nine goals in 44 appearances for the U’s, playing either in central-midfield or on the wing.

(Photo by Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images)

Can Celtic afford to wait?

The above question can be applied to the majority of Celtic’s dealings this summer. The club are under real time constraints with the first Champions League qualifier just a month away.

Celtic can’t really spend all summer waiting around to see if a player like Browne is fancied by West Ham. The English league season doesn’t get underway until the second week in August. By that stage we may already be into our third European tie.

(Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)

The club shouldn’t exactly be panicking at present but they must be aware that time is gradually ticking down. It’s crucial that we start next season brightly and try to build confidence under a regime that won’t be given much of a honeymoon period.

Waiting on players like Browne shouldn’t really come into the club’s thinking. We have to move fast and if that means paying slightly over the odds then so be it.