Celtic are planning a January move for Crystal Palace midfielder James McCarthy who grew up supporting the Scottish club, as reported by Eurosport.
The Glasgow giants have long admired the midfielder. And, according to the report, they will finally make their move in next month’s transfer window.
Sources close to the player believe he would be interested in a switch to Scotland given his affinity for Celtic and lack of playing time in the Premier League this season. He has played just 13 minutes of Premier League action since October.
McCarthy played and scored in Crystal Palace U23’s win against Newcastle on Monday night.
Celtic target was born in Glasgow
The midfielder was born in Glasgow and played for Hamilton Academical as a youth. He then made the switch south to Wigan Athletic as a teenager.
Everton snapped him up in 2013. McCarthy spent six years at Goodison Park before moving to fellow Premier League side Crystal Palace.
He has now been identified by manager Neil Lennon as the ideal man to get Celtic’s season back on track.
Celtic need to free space for McCarthy
Any move to Glasgow would, however, require Lennon to free up space in his squad.
That could mean an exit for former Manchester City midfielder Olivier Ntcham. The Frenchman was linked with a move to Premier League clubs Southampton and West Brom by the Daily Mail in September.
Celtic’s biggest boost to their coffers could come, however, from the sale of another Frenchman. Striker Odsonne Edouard has been touted with a move to England, primarily Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal, according to talkSPORT.
What Celtic fans would think of that is another matter.
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