Transfers

Long-time Celtic target David Watson subject of £500k bid from Football League club

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David Watson is a player who Celtic have admired for a long time.

Watson is one of Scotland’s most promising players coming through and has regularly impressed for Kilmarnock.

Out of contract in the summer, however, there is an opportunity for someone to negotiate a pre-contract deal or even snap him up for a reduced fee.

The Scotland U21 international has had plenty of interest, but Kilmarnock seem to be standing firm.

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David Watson challenges for the ball for KILMARNOCK VS CERCLE BRUGGE
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Bolton Wanderers make bid for David Watson

According to the Daily Record, Bolton Wanderers have made a £500,000 bid for the midfielder.

That move was swiftly rejected by the Scottish Premiership club, with Neil McCann desperate to keep his star player for their fight to avoid relegation.

Bolton have previously made an approach for Hoops forward Johnny Kenny, but were knocked back in their attempt.

They currently sit third in the third tier of English football and are well on course to be competing for promotion to the Championship.

You have £10m to spend on deadline day. Name one signing you would make for Celtic

UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase Teams Jerseys Shoots for Celtic
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Celtic should make pre-contract move for David Watson

Even if Watson remains at Rugby Park for the remainder of the season, there is nothing to stop the Hoops from making a pre-contract offer.

Landing one of the country’s best youngsters for nothing would be seen as a real coup, especially when Rangers and Aberdeen had also been sniffing around.

Celtic’s midfield is too one-dimensional and in need of a refresh. Watson can offer that and provide more protection for Callum McGregor, who cannot even get one game off to rest.