Midfielder Olivier Ntcham has made it clear he wants to leave Celtic, Sky Sports reported on Saturday.
The broadcaster believes that multiple teams are keen on his signature including Newcastle United, West Bromwich Albion and various French Ligue 1 sides.
It’s said that the Magpies have made a loan enquiry for the Frenchman. Celtic would prefer an option-to-buy is inserted into any deal. There is less than 18 months left on his current contract.
The midfielder has made 23 appearances this season but hasn’t started a match since the 4-1 defeat away to Sparta Prague in November. He hasn’t even been included in a match squad since the recent derby against Rangers.
Ntcham was signed during the Brendan Rodgers era in 2017 from Manchester City.
It’s clear the 24-year-old has natural ability but he has never been quite able to string together consistent performances for the Bhoys.
At times he’s looked disinterested and well off the pace. On other occasions, he’s looked like the continental-class midfielder we need.
Ultimately he won’t be missed much by Celtic. The Bhoys have moved on to a midfield combination of Callum McGregor, Ismaila Soro and David Turnbull.
Ntcham’s most memorable moment in a Celtic shirt came back in 2019 when he scored a dramatic and exquisite last-minute winner against Lazio in the Europa League.
That effort fired Celtic to the club’s first-ever win on Italian soil and helped us qualify for the knockout stages.
It’d be fascinating to see how he’d fare in the Premier League, but a Ligue 1 switch would surely be a more realistic level for him to shine.
Clubs have just a couple of days to get any deal, loan or otherwise, over the line.
In other news, Celtic fans feel sorry for one player after today.
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