---
title: "Celtic: Devlin drops McCann claim"
canonical: "https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/celtic-devlin-drops-mccann-claim/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Charlie Smith"
section: "Celtic News"
published: "2021-09-03T11:10:56Z"
modified: "2021-09-03T11:10:56Z"
---

# Celtic: Devlin drops McCann claim

**Reliable reporter [Kieran Devlin](https://theathletic.co.uk/2799732/2021/08/31/celtic-transfers-dramatic-rebuild-failed-to-materialise-and-theyre-short-central-midfield/?article_source=search&search_query=kieran%20devlin) has revealed Celtic didn’t make an enquiry over former St Johnstone man Ali McCann this summer.**

### The Lowdown: Hoops links, Preston move

McCann was [linked](https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-deadline-day-will-griggs-sunderland-departure-moves-closer-as-two-clubs-fight-for-signature-40804600.html) with a late switch to Parkhead, however, a £3m asking price for the 21-year-old seemingly put the Hoops off.

The central midfielder was on the move on deadline day, though, joining Championship side Preston North End on a [four-year deal](https://www.pnefc.net/news/2021/august/pne-seal-deal-for-mccann/).

[Reports](https://www.heraldscotland.com/news/19552006.ali-mccann-land-st-johnstone-record-fee-eetu-vertainens-deal-confirmed/) suggested a £1.2m fee was agreed on between Dominic McKay and the Saints, and it appears as if Celtic were never in for McCann after all.

\[freshpress-poll id=”372828″\]

### The Latest: Devlin claim

Devlin, Celtic’s correspondent for [The Athletic](https://theathletic.co.uk/2799732/2021/08/31/celtic-transfers-dramatic-rebuild-failed-to-materialise-and-theyre-short-central-midfield/?article_source=search&search_query=kieran%20devlin), shared a story on Wednesday looking at the Hoops’ summer business.

He replied to a subscriber in the comments section who labelled it ‘bizarre’ for Celtic not to move for McCann, with Devlin making a 10-word claim, believing the Hoops and CEO McKay never asked the question.

> “Club didn’t enquire about him as far as I know.”

\[freshpress-quiz id=”368506″\]

### The Verdict: A missed opportunity?

McCann made close to [100](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/ali-mccann/leistungsdaten/spieler/450714) appearances for St Johnstone, and at the age of 21, could have been a shrewd signing by the Hoops for a relatively low fee.

He picked up [The Athletic’s SPFL Young Player of the Year Award](https://www.perthstjohnstonefc.co.uk/news/article/ali-mccann-wins-the-athletics-spfl-young-player-of-the-year-award) last season and helped his side win [both](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/ali-mccann/erfolge/spieler/450714) cup competitions during the 2020/21 campaign.

Celtic have had success in picking up a young Scottish midfielder in David Turnbull, so they may have missed a trick when it comes to McCann, especially with [James McCarthy and youngster Liam Shaw](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/celtic-glasgow/transfers/verein/371) being the club’s only additions in that department this summer.

[***In other news: Another Celtic summer signing, as well as Urhoghide, isn’t impressing under Ange, says Devlin.***](https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/celtic-news/celtic-liam-shaw-not-considered-a-first-team-option/)