'Open to bids'; Celtic get green light from manager to make move for 'standout' attacker

By John McGinley

January 8, 2021

Exeter City manager Matt Taylor sounds open to the idea of selling Joel Randall to Celtic this month.

The Athletic reported last weekend that the Bhoys were interested in signing the 21-year-old winger after his English League Two progress this season.

His manager has declared Exeter open for business when it comes to sorting out a deal this month.

As quoted by The Scottish Sun, Taylor said: “For any young player that is in demand, I think he should be top of that list. But we have had no contact from the two clubs mentioned as yet. I was as surprised as anyone when I saw a big club like Celtic in the headlines.

“He’s not out of contract at the end of the season, so I can tell you that with all honesty, we have had nothing from those clubs and I am not sure where those stories have come from, whether it is agent talk, or clubs releasing bits and pieces.

“I’d be surprised if he is not on a lot of big club’s lists, in terms of recruitment, but I think this window especially will be slightly different to other ones in relation to where the pandemic has put the football world and less money being around.

“We are always open to bids for our players, but we have a valuation for Joel that we certainly want to get towards.”

Why you should care about Joel Randall to Celtic

Randall is untested at a high level, but he’s certainly emerged as a creative talent in the English lower leagues this term.

Across 21 appearances in League Two and the FA Cup, he’s scored eight goals and assisted five more.

The youngster has also proven to be versatile, playing on both the right and left flanks and through the middle for the Grecians.

Reported Celtic target Joel Randall / (Photo by Harry Trump/Getty Images)

This isn’t the first time Taylor has been enthusiastic about his prospect either. As we discussed last week, he labelled the winger “phenomenal” and a “standout” earlier in the season.

He may not be available on a pre-contract, but surely Celtic have the resources to deal with Exeter if they are truly keen.

Adding another winger to the squad would be welcome this month.

In other news, Si Ferry has hit back at Celtic claims in the media.