Transfers

Report: Southampton could move for Celtic’s Ntcham after transfer snub

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Premier League side Southampton could move for Celtic’s Olivier Ntcham following a transfer snub, the Daily Record reports.

The report claims that Ntcham is on a list of potential midfield signings for Southampton, after Schalke’s Weston McKennie turned down the chance to join the Premier League side in favour of a move to Juventus.

Ntcham’s future with Celtic has been in doubt recently after Sky Sports reported that the player’s agent had asked the Hoops how much it would cost for him to leave the club.

Recently been in starting line-up

At the moment though, he is still a Celtic player. Ntcham is still firmly in Neil Lennon’s plans as well. He has started the Hoops’ last three games in all competitions.

Olivier Ntcham in action for Celtic
Olivier Ntcham in action for Celtic / (Photo by Ricardo Nogueira/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images)

However, you have to imagine that the speculation over Ntcham’s future at Celtic will continue until the transfer window closes.

His agent’s reported question of Celtic will be the reason for that. Another reason will be the fact that with the recent arrival of David Turnbull, Celtic have yet another midfielder on the club’s books.

However, as Ntcham has been playing regularly for the Hoops recently, he does feature in the club’s plans. Therefore, it might take a vast sum of money for Southampton or any other player who want to sign him to land Ntcham.

It is understandable if clubs are interested in the player. After all, on his day he is arguably the best midfielder in Scotland.

Has dominated Glasgow derby at times

You only have to look at some of his performances against Rangers for evidence of that. However, if Celtic receive a bid from Southampton or any other team before the transfer window closes then you imagine that the club will strongly consider it.

Celtic midfielder Olivier Ntcham
Celtic midfielder Olivier Ntcham (Photo by TIZIANA FABI/AFP via Getty Images)

The player’s contract expires in 2022, and Celtic will not want to get into a situation where Ntcham is into the last year of his deal with no new contract agreed.

Would a bit of around £15m be enough for Celtic to part with the player? Perhaps. However, as long as he is contributing Ntcham will be in the Celtic team.

In other news, some Celtic fans reacted to a Jeremie Frimpong social media post.