Aaron Mooy is widely expected to sign for Celtic this week, with a deal even potentially being announced as early as today.
Multiple outlets and journalists, including Mike McGrath at The Telegraph, Derek McGregor at The Scottish Sun, Mark Hendry at Football Scotland and Fabrizio Romano, are all reporting that the move is likely following a progression of talks over the weekend.
It’s been said that several English Championship clubs have also been keen on the Australian but who are they?
Sky Sports journalist Anthony Joseph reports that Norwich City, Middlesbrough and Swansea City have all held talks with him since his contract ended at Shanghai Port this summer.
All three of these teams will have ambitions to compete towards the top of the Championship this coming term, suggesting that there is confidence in the footballing community he is still a viable option despite a difficult time in China.
The English second-tier is a mixed bag when it comes to the level of quality, but generally, clubs towards the top end are ambitious and possess plenty of good players.
MORE CELTIC STORIES
There’s been a mixed reaction online to the Mooy news – he perhaps doesn’t have the kind of profile some supporters were expecting to arrive at the club this week.
Nonetheless, the experienced international can make a difference in the Celtic midfield as a rotational option.
He’s versatile in the central areas, able to play in an attacking or defensive role, which is also surely a factor in Ange Postecoglou’s thinking.
Most importantly, the manager knows exactly the kind of player he will be getting and presumably has a good enough relationship with him to have a sense of his desire to compete hard this season following discussions.
The Telegraph’s McGrath characterised this as Mooy’s ‘dream’ option this summer – that hunger won’t hurt.
As we discussed this morning, the opportunity to sign him on a free transfer feels too good to miss, especially if there’s no risk of a long-term contract.
As part of the overall picture this summer, Mooy would strengthen the squad available to the manager as we consider making more signings in other positions before the end of August.
In other news, Celtic hero Chris Sutton relishing “frightening prospect” in store for Scottish football.