Renowned Greek football expert Antonis Oikonomides has revealed that Celtic’s interest in James Penrice is long-held.
The left-back made the move to AEK Athens from Hearts last summer after being named the Tynecastle club’s Player of the Year.
The news that Marcelo Saracchi won’t be returning to Celtic means that Martin O’Neill is now in need of a replacement for the Uruguayan.
Penrice is reportedly the subject of a recent enquiry from Celtic, and Oikonomides has described the situation as “one to watch”.
🏴 Would you take James Penrice at Celtic? 👇️
Antonis Oikonomides: ‘Door open’ for James Penrice to join Celtic
Oikonomides said on Greek show Box 2 Box: “There is an open door, a small window of opportunity for Celtic.
“Let me remind you that Celtic wanted him before he came to AEK from Hearts.
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“Because he is on a list for Celtic, who are looking for a player in that position, that’s worth keeping an eye on.”
Rangers’ interest in Penrice has also been well-documented since the turn of the year, but this has been played down by the expert.
He said: “Rangers have always been a constant, unchanging focal point within this circle of Penrice’s admirers.
“I didn’t see it happening when we were discussing it during the previous transfer window, I didn’t see it before this one even started, and I don’t see it now that the Rangers name has resurfaced.
“The player’s side denies it, maintaining that there is absolutely nothing with Rangers.
“What is clear is that Rangers are not interested. So, for goodness’ sake, just so I’m not misunderstood or say anything out of line: it’s being said that there is no interest from Rangers – and that there still isn’t – for Penrice.
Who is to blame for Marcelo Saracchi not returning to Celtic? 🤔
The left-back has made his feelings clear….👀🍀
What type of player is James Penrice?
Penrice is an athletic, up-and-down left-back who wants to get forward and contribute in the final third.
His years under David Martindale at Livingston certainly gave him a worthwhile defensive footing, but his attacking impact was what earned him the move to Greece.
Undoubtedly, Penrice’s standout attribute is his pace. Running both on and off the ball, the 27-year-old can be extremely hard to catch.
It’s not a dissimilar profile to that of Saracchi, making him a sensible option as a replacement.
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