Celtic summer target Grady Diangana has found himself caught up in transfer controversy after his switch to West Brom from West Ham went down badly with players and supporters of the London side.
As reported by BBC Sport, Diangana made the permanent move to the Baggies yesterday for a fee of £18m, well beyond the spending capabilities of the Scottish champions.
The Glasgow Times reported in July that Celtic were keen on landing the player on loan for the season, with the player himself said to be open to a Glasgow move.
Our interest came after Bhoys scouts were impressed with the winger’s form in the Championship last term and recruitment staff at Celtic Park were reported to have made initial enquiries to the Premier League outfit.
However, West Ham have decided to let go of the prospect for good in an effort to fund their summer business.
A statement from the Hammers said: “The decision to sell Grady has been made reluctantly but – ultimately – in the best interests of the Club and with the aim to strengthen the squad in different areas at this time.
“The money received for Grady will be reinvested entirely in the team, in line with the manager’s targets. We believe that this will give us the best possible chance of ensuring we have a balanced squad to compete in the Premier League and capable of reaching our objectives and ambitions this season.”
That approach hasn’t been received well by Diangana’s former teammates and supporters though, with club captain Mark Noble leading the charge on Twitter to express his unhappiness with the deal.
Diangana scored eight goals and assisted seven more on loan in the Championship last term and could have added real attacking depth to the flanks at Celtic.
The Bhoys have James Forrest and Mohamed Elyounoussi available but beyond that duo, options are limited to youth prospects and the currently injured Mikey Johnston.
Ultimately West Ham’s policy on Diangana ensured we were never going to be in the running given the figures involved.
Perhaps landing another hot prospect on loan is in Celtic’s thinking ahead of October’s deadline.
In other news, Chris Sutton has urged the club to complete more transfer business.
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