Celtic are set to boost their interest in Josh Maja, according to the Scottish Sun.
The Hoops are seriously interested in taking the in-form Sunderland forward. Maja is out of contract at the end of the season and has already revealed that he wants to depart the Stadium of Light at the end of his deal.
Interestingly, according to the report, Celtic could use Jack Hendry as an incentive for Sunderland to do business with them. But that would mean that Celtic moved to sign their man now as opposed to when his contract is up.
The 15-goal striker is attracting interest from the likes of Germany and the Premier League. Therefore, if Celtic want their man, they’re going to have to really make a case for it.
Looking to nab him in January could, however, spark an unnecessary bidding war. His agent has close links to Germany, and therefore a move there could be most likely. Any Celtic offers this month would surely spark a reaction from German suitors.
Jack Hendry or Lewis Morgan to be used as a sweetner?
The report also states that the Hoops could look to use Lewis Morgan in any deal too. This would only be for a loan deal, however, as Celtic still have high hopes for the youngster.
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Sunderland, on the other hand, have recently confirmed that they aren’t interested in taking the former St Mirren star this month. Any deal, therefore, would surely involve Hendry over Morgan should it go ahead this month.
The right action for Celtic, should they truly want this young Sunderland academy graduate, would be to send in a pre-contract offer.
There’s no use offering cash for a player that you can get for nothing at the end of the season, especially when it could spark others into raising the price for him.
The Hoops are an attractive proposition for any Championship striker down in England. But there are other forwards out there if he preferred a move to the Premier League or Germany.
With Timothy Weah heading back to PSG at the end of the season, getting another forward in would be a decent idea. But for now, there’s no need to bring Maja to the club when he isn’t likely to feature.