Sky Sports reporter Anthony Joseph believes Celtic could snap up Alfie Doughty for around £1m+ from Charlton this January.
The reliable Sky man has stated that the Hoops have yet to make a move for the left-sided starlet. However, he reports that Charlton are happy to sell in this window as opposed to lose him for nothing in the summer.
Joseph has said that Celtic remain keen admirers of Doughty, who’s been out of action at Charlton with a hamstring injury. But it looks like we’ll need to move quickly if we’re to bag our man. Sky Sports have already said that Stoke City have made an official approach for him. There are said to be a number of clubs who are interested in securing Doughty’s signature.
But the most worrying aspect for Hoops fans will be that we still haven’t made our move. Until we do, we’re at the behest of Doughty’s own timeframe. If there are offers already on the table, Celtic won’t want to wait too long.
Where we do have an advantage is in the pre-contract rule. English clubs can’t sign up players on pre-contracts from the same country. This gives us an advantage in that sense if Doughty wants to see out the season in League One.
Celtic can’t stall on Doughty forever; Charlton will make sure of it
It makes so much sense for Charlton to push through a move now. With Doughty likely injured for the rest of the season, it makes no sense for them to keep him.
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What’s becoming clearer however is the fact that Doughty isn’t signing that new Charlton contract. If he was going to do that then he would already be signed up for the long-term at the Valley. That he hasn’t tells you where his mind is at.
But we have to move quickly here. Stoke will be an attractive offer for both Charlton and Doughty. Especially if it’s the only offer the League One side has received so far.
We’re not talking about a major figure here either. It’s over £1m. It’ll hardly be too excessive. We’ve spent a lot more on lesser quality in the past. If Neil Lennon wants Doughty and sees him as part of his plans this season, he has to be brought in.
This isn’t something Charlton will want to drag all through January. They may wait to see what other offers come in, but a quick resolution will suit all parties here. Stoke appear to have made the first move, so we need to make our own.
As of yet, that hasn’t happened.