Celtic are on the trail of Sheffield United defender Auston Trusty after submitting a £5 million bid for the United States international yesterday.
The Blades have also agreed a fee to sign Mikey Johnston for around £2.5 million, with an expectation that negotiations to land the former Arsenal man could be smoothed over.
Trusty made an appearance off the bench for Sheffield United last night in their Carabao Cup defeat against Barnsley. He also started last weekend against Norwich City, so he isn’t yet out of their plans.
Nevertheless, Chris Wilder has confirmed that the Championship side will need to consider bids over the window’s final days.
He stated: “I believe so. I’ve been honest and upfront and realistic, all at the same time, regarding us as a club. If bids do come for players, they have to be considered and I don’t know what to expect over the next four or five days.”
In light of the Bhoys’ interest in Trusty, John Hartson has given his verdict on the potential acquisition and what he could offer Brendan Rodgers’ side.
John Hartson on Celtic’s Auston Trusty pursuit
Speaking on The Go Radio Football Show, Hartson believes that Trusty would be a ‘powerful’ addition to the Celtic ranks.
In turn, the Welshman also believes Johnston’s potential involvement in a separate deal would make business sense as the Bhoys aim to recruit in central defence.
He stated: “Yeah, (he’s) strong, powerful, Sheffield United playing in the Championship (and he’s) a USA International. I think it would be a really good signing. Mikey Johnston going the other way as well, so if it happens, you know, there’s a deal (to be done) there.
“Obviously, with Mikey Johnson going the other way in terms of trying to finance it if you like. Sheffield United and Celtic, as I said, it could very, very well happen. And I think, obviously, Lagerbielke is going out the door. It’s another centre-off that Celtic would want to purchase (in his place).”
Celtic facing a race against time to complete deals
Earlier today, Celtic fans will have felt palpable relief following the announcement of Alex Valle. Joining from Barcelona on a season-long loan, the reigning Scottish champions have finally solved their left-back issue.
Paying a fee of £1.3 million to borrow the La Masia graduate, the Bhoys have completed the first of several deals supporters are desperate to see completed this week.
Bids involving Augsburg midfielder Arne Engels and LAFC’s Mateusz Bogusz hang in the balance. Whether or not Celtic get both over the line could form public opinion about how successful the window has been; it is that important.
In addition, there is the potential for some late names to emerge. You never know what to expect as Deadline Day approaches; stay tuned on 67 Hail Hail to find out!
Receive a digest of our best Celtic content each week direct to your mailbox
