Celtic have made a ‘permanent’ offer to sign Chelsea’s Ross Barkley, according to journalist Simon Phillips.
The Lowdown: Loan rumours
The Hoops have been linked with a move for the attacking midfielder in recent days, with the Blues telling the 28-year-old he is free to find a new club.
Ange Postecoglou has given the green light to a move for Barkley, with reports suggesting that Celtic are keen on a season-long loan deal.
Barkley, labelled as 'quality' by Frank Lampard, is into the final 12 months of his Stamford Bridge contract, and Phillips has shared what he knows about a potential Parkhead move.
The Latest: Phillips’ post
Phillips took to Twitter on Saturday afternoon to provide an update on Barkley’s future.
He said that Barkley has ‘an offer from Celtic’ which is thought to be a ‘permanent’ one, while also adding that five Premier League clubs are still interested in his signature.
The Verdict: A gamble?
Barkley is thought to be on £100,000-a-week in London and made just six Premier League appearances last season. He was on loan at Aston Villa the year before, scoring just three times in 24 top-flight games to take his senior goal tally for club and country to 52.
Therefore, a move to Celtic Park could be a gamble and one that the club don’t exactly need to take. Postecoglou has a plethora of attacking options and the likes of David Turnbull and Matt O’Riley who can play in advanced midfield roles.
Celtic saw first-hand that a big-name player doesn’t exactly result in immediate success when rivals Rangers brought in Aaron Ramsey on loan last season, and decided not to follow up a deal, but it looks as if the Hoops are keen on bringing Barkley to Scotland.