Celtic look like having some serious competition for John Mahon

Add as preferred source on Google

Celtic are going to have some serious work on their hands to seal a deal for John Mahon.

The Republic of Ireland under-21 centre-back is apparently interesting the Hoops. That’s according to the Daily Express, as cited in the Daily Record.

But, it’s clear that if Celtic do make a move for the Sligo Rovers star, they won’t be the only ones. That’s because apparently both Derby County and Blackburn Rovers of the English Championship are also keen on luring him down south.

Mahon has been watched by Celtic’s under-21 head of recruitment Willie McStay. He most recently took in a performance from the centre-back during Rovers’ 1-1 draw at Dundalk on Friday.

According to the report, however, Mahon would prefer a move to Parkhead. This is where the Hoops could have a massive advantage on their hands in the summer.

But Celtic will have to fork out a fee to get their man too. Mahon has 18 months remaining on his Sligo contract. Apparently, it would take a six-figure fee for the Hoops to get their man, should they want him.

Mahon earned his first and only under-21 call-up last month.

Not enough to be a Boyata/Benkovic replacement

Yet, any ideas of this being a replacement for the out-of-contract Dedryck Boyata needs to be put to bed.

The big Belgian’s contract is up in the summer. Considering the fact his agent has all but ruled out him signing a new contract, Celtic will be in the market for a replacement.

Filip Benkovic’s loan spell will come to an end also. Therefore, when he heads back to Leicester City, Celtic will only have Kristoffer Ajer, Jozo Simunovic, and Jack Hendry available at centre-back.

Given Mahon’s inexperience at both club and international level, however, calling him a replacement would put too much pressure on his shoulders. At just 19-years of age, it wouldn’t be surprising to see him play in Damien Duff’s reserve side if Celtic signed him up.

But there are clearly some options for Mahon if Sligo let him go at the end of the season. For us, however, it shouldn’t be treated as anything other than a project buy.