Slaven Bilic to hold talks with Celtic target Rekeem Harper

By Hamish Carton

June 15, 2019

New West Bromwich Albion manager Slaven Bilic will make a fresh appeal to teenager Rekeem Harper to sign a new deal at the club. The 19-year-old midfielder is out of contract at the Hawthorns this summer and has attracted interest from Celtic.

(Photo by Matthew Ashton – AMA/WBA FC via Getty Images)

The Hoops were reported to have dropped their interest in the England under-19 international following their accepted bid for David Turnbull. However, the snag in that deal means that the club may consider a move for Harper once again.

Croatian influence

Slaven Bilic, who was linked with the Celtic manager’s job last month, is in at West Brom and wants to speak to Harper. The Express & Star report that Bilic is due to arrive in England this weekend. The Croatian is expected to meet with Harper before the month is out to try and convince him to stay.

(BEN STANSALL/AFP/Getty Images)

The midfielder has reportedly been offered a final take it or leave it offer from the Baggies but is yet to sign.

Will Celtic pounce?

It will be interesting to see what the club do if the move for Turnbull does collapse. Neil Lennon is clearly keen to add some reinforcements in midfield with Olivier Ntcham expected to leave the club this summer.

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Harper is a player the club are keen on with Lennon taking in one of his games at the end of the season. The Englishman was also rumoured to have visited Celtic Park on Trophy Day. It will be interesting to see if the club can resurrect a move, even with Bilic’s presence.