With the international break in full swing, Celtic’s potential January transfer business has become the topic of conversation among supporters.
Stereotypically, the two-week absence of club football can create a vacuum where news surrounding the Bhoys is few and far between, but that hasn’t been the case this time around.
Earlier this week, reports emerged that Celtic could make a move for Motherwell’s Lennon Miller in January as the 18-year-old continues to emerge as one of the leading lights in the Scottish Premiership.
The Steelmen have set a price of £4 million for their star man, while Liverpool and Rangers are also keeping tabs on his situation.
Lennon Miller has shown his adaptability this campaign, registering four goals and three assists in a new-found advanced midfield role. Surely, Celtic would be a tempting proposition for the youngster amid the opportunity to compete for regular silverware and feature in the Champions League.
Answering that question, Chris Sutton has now had his say on whether him moving to the Scottish Premiership champions would suit all parties.
Chris Sutton on whether Celtic should move for Lennon Miller
Writing in his column for the Daily Record, Sutton ‘can see the merit’ of bringing Miller in come January and loaning him back to Fir Park, even if his ascent to first-team stardom may take time to develop.
He explained: “In terms of Miller. I can understand where people are coming from. He’s clearly a top prospect and arguably the best young player in Scotland. Of course Celtic will know all about him. They would be silly not to be keeping tabs on him.
“Miller has played more than 50 games for Motherwell and has been a stand out in most of them. There was an impressive performance against Celtic recently in there too – and that will not have gone unnoticed by Brendan Rodgers. The issue for Miller – and Celtic – is whether he’d get in the team right now. You’ve got to say that wouldn’t be the case.
“You look at Luke McCowan. I think he’s done superbly well since arriving from Dundee and he looks every inch a Celtic player. But you could argue he’s fifth in line for a midfielder slot at the moment – with Callum McGregor, Reo Hatate, Arne Engels and Paulo Bernardo all in front of him. Is Miller going to nudge any of them out right now? Unlikely.
“He’s definitely one for the future though. The key for him is playing every week. That’s why I can see the merit in signing him now and loaning him out, either back at Motherwell or somewhere else. I know it might not be a popular opinion at Fir Park or elsewhere, but I always think the best Scottish players should be moving to Celtic – or Rangers – and the money staying in the country.”
Celtic will recognise Lennon Miller’s potential to develop
Building for the future has to be the aim for Celtic, so it is no surprise Miller has been sought out as a potential target to strengthen the ranks in midfield.
Despite his youthful complexion, the 18-year-old has stepped up to play a pivotal role at Fir Park this term, creating 22 chances and completing ten dribbles on league duty, per Fotmob.
With on-field experience comes maturity, but everyone in Scottish football is aware that Miller has the ability to talk with his feet at an early stage in his career.
The only question is how far can he go? Hopefully, Celtic can find out the answer for themselves by stealing a march on other suitors to land the Scotland Under-21 international.
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