Celtic have reportedly made the move to reject an approach from Leicester City for Callum McGregor.
According to the Sunday Mail, Brendan Rodgers made the approach for the Celtic man before being told that he would be wasting his time. There hasn’t been an official price-tag set on McGregor as it stands. Peter Lawwell himself apparently told Rodgers there was no chance.
It wasn’t long ago that Rodgers was bigging McGregor up either (Daily Record). He was the man to effectively turn the Scotland international’s career around, making him a key figure at Parkhead during his two-and-a-half year stint in Glasgow.
McGregor has also just come off a 69-game campaign for club and country. Despite only managing six goals, his 16 assists last season proved how influential he was for Rodgers and then Neil Lennon after him.
Celtic reject Leicester, but for what reason?
It’s interesting to see that Celtic have told Rodgers where to go here. McGregor is a fine footballer, and is by far one of the most influential leaders at the club. Yet, at the same time, Celtic rarely tell potential suitors that they’ve no chance.
We’ve very much been a club with the message that every player has their price. And it makes you wonder whether there’s something about Leicester City that Lawwell perhaps isn’t prepared to do business with. It would be unusual, but given the manner of Rodgers’ departure, supporters won’t want him given anything.
It would also be interesting to see how Celtic reacted if Rodgers hovers Filip Benkovic in any potential deal. There have been no reports that Leicester are willing to do this. But if they truly want to make Celtic listen to offers for McGregor, they could tap into our desperation for defenders.
Given the talks that seem to be ongoing between Celtic and Arsenal for Kieran Tierney (BBC), it would be odd to see Celtic take a different stance on McGregor.
The alternative could be that Tierney has told Celtic he wants to go, with McGregor not having done that. Tierney reportedly said to Celtic he would like the opportunity to further his career (Daily Mail). Whilst that’s difficult to believe, it would explain why the stance from the club between McGregor and Tierney appears to be different.
It’s all down to interpretation. But for now, it’s great to see Celtic reject Rodgers in his transfer efforts.
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