Celtic will today hold further talks with Shamrock Rovers over the potential signing of young defender Liam Scales, the Irish Mirror reports.
The report claims that discussions have already been had between the two clubs regarding the 22-year-old Irishman.
Celtic principle shareholder Dermot Desmond is said to hold a 25% stake in the League of Ireland club. However, it remains to be seen if Celtic’s interest starts a bidding war this summer [Irish Mirror].
The Irish newspaper also believes that there are clubs interested in the player from the English Championship.
Celtic are in desperate need of defensive reinforcements having only signed Carl Starfelt for the backline this summer. Scales can feature at either centre-back, left-back, or even at left-mid.
Celtic fans will want more even if Liam Scales is signed
Whilst Scales is a Republic of Ireland under-21 talent, all of his footballing experience has come in his homeland. He’s made only 67 appearances in the League of Ireland Premier League to date [Transfermarkt].
Celtic fans will never judge a player before they’ve arrived at the club. But if Scales is to be signed, major eyebrows would be raised if he’s to be the new competition at left-back or centre-back.
For what we need this summer, experience should be essential. Project buys will continue to be all well and good, but Ange Postecoglou needs players who can make an immediate impact. Given Scales’ history, there’s no guarantee he can come in and be that man.
At 22, this wouldn’t be a B team signing either. Scales is past the age level allowed to play Lowland League football.
As of yet, any move appears to be some way away. Celtic don’t appear to have gotten further than talks with Shamrock.
But it’s not a signing target that will have Celtic fans feeling that they’ve sold their defensive woes should it come off.
In other news, Lee O’Connor already has a big decision to make on his Celtic future
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