Celtic have reportedly already had talks with Wigan Athletic midfielder Nick Powell, but are apparently unlikely to nab him.
According to TEAMtalk, the attacking midfielder has been in demand. Nine different clubs including the Hoops have apparently held talks with him. But, despite that, it looks as though Stoke City are the only ones to have made a formal offer.
The report states that the Potters feel that they’ve won the race to sign the former Manchester United prodigy. Other clubs to have apparently spoken with Powell include Premier League sides Burnley and Newcastle United, with a flurry of Championship sides also included.
Powell last month turned down a supposed £1m-per-year new contract at St James’ Park (The Sun). The move allowed him to become a free agent, and that’s why such a high interest in him has been had.
Neil Lennon told the Celtic View (Volume 54, Issue 45, Page 5) that Celtic have already been in and are currently in transfer negotiations with key targets. It therefore wouldn’t be surprising if Powell turned out to be one of them.
No deal has yet been signed with Stoke as it stands. But according to TEAMtalk, Stoke have offered him a deal and see them as an essential part of their plans.
Could’ve been an intriguing prospect
Powell could’ve been a star in the Scottish Premiership for sure. He’s had a fine season in the Championship with Wigan, and has managed nine goals and eight assists from midfield.
Celtic are in desperate need of a bit of extra quality in the number 10 position in particular. Tom Rogic struggled for fitness and form last season. Ryan Christie, meanwhile, had a tremendous breakthrough campaign but again had his injury problems.
A signing of the likes of Powell would be the kind that would get bums off seats. The kind of positive, attacking acquisition that would both intrigue and excite many.
Of course there’s nothing stopping Celtic from launching an offer to Powell’s representatives in any case. For all anyone knows, they may even have done but have managed to keep it quiet. But there must be something in it if Stoke feel quietly confident.
Powell would still be an interesting signing if Celtic do pull something out of the hat here. But if we miss out on him it’s hardly a disaster either. At the very least, it’s good that we’re reportedly holding talks with targets. Now it’s down to Peter Lawwell to push them through.
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