Former Celtic striker Frank McAvennie has shared his concerns over the club’s planned move for Motherwell’s Declan Gallagher.

According to an exclusive report from TEAMtalk last week, the Hoops are ready to make a move for the 30-year-old. Aberdeen, Hearts and Dundee are also keen, along with English Championship duo Cardiff City and Barnsley.

Gallagher’s Fir Park deal expires in the summer, with the player’s head reportedly being turned by Celtic’s interest.

Speaking to Football Insider, McAvennie was asked about Celtic’s interest in the Scotland international, to which he replied:

“No, no, no, not for me.

“Has he played well this season? Listen, he is in the Scotland team so he is a decent player but I want a defender who wants to defend first and foremost.

“Celtic need players who will not just win them the league, but will take them far in Europe. They need to sign players that will take them to the next level.

“Gallagher and Welsh? That would not frighten me if I was a centre-forward. They need to sign an out-and-out centre-half, we need someone who loves defending, big time.

“I want somebody like Bobo Balde, he just went in and won the ball. That is what he was all about. No disrespect to the boy Gallagher but he is not that kind of player.”

Transfer Tavern take

We can see where McAvennie is coming from regarding a deal for Gallagher, but the Motherwell man could prove to be a handy addition at Celtic Park. He may not be at the standard required to be one of the first names on the team sheet, but he could be a useful squad member.

Kristoffer Ajer has been linked with a move to the English Premier League, Christopher Jullien is out injured and the much-maligned Shane Duffy is set to return to Brighton at the end of the season, possibly leaving them with youngster Stephen Welsh as the only centre-back on their books.

Gallagher has more than 100 Premiership appearances under his belt, with 26 of those coming this season. He has been Motherwell’s third-best performer during the current campaign when counting players who have featured on six or more occasions. [WhoScored]

No transfer fee is required, and Gallagher’s £1,400-a-week wage wouldn’t be an issue for the Hoops. Therefore, despite McAvennie's misgivings, he seems a quite worthy target to pursue.

In other news: Celtic looking to sell summer signing over the coming months, find out more here.