Celtic remain very keen on signing Crystal Palace midfielder James McCarthy this summer.

That’s according to a report from TEAMtalk, who claim that the Hoops were close to a deal for the Irishman in January.

McCarthy, on £50,000-a-week at Selhurst Park, is out of contract in a matter of months so could sign a pre-contract agreement with the Hoops ahead of a potential free transfer.

Newcastle United are also now back in the picture for the 30-year-old’s services ahead of the 2021/22 season, though, with the report suggesting the Hoops won’t make a firm decision on the central midfielder until they have finalised their plans for a new manager.

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Transfer Tavern take

It seems as if Celtic don’t want to give up on the chance of signing January target McCarthy. However, with Newcastle on the chase too, they may have to be quick in regards to their search for a new manager to have any hope of signing the midfielder for nothing.

Should a deal gather pace ahead of the summer, McCarthy could become Dominic McKay’s first signing as Celtic CEO due to the fact he can pen a pre-contract before the window officially opens.

It may well end up being a busy summer for McKay and co in terms of recruitment at Parkhead, so starting by securing a free transfer for a player who has over 250 appearances under his belt in the Premier League and 42 international caps could prove fruitful.

Who knows, McCarthy could fill the boots of club captain Scott Brown, who will leave for Aberdeen this summer.

In other news: John Kennedy linked with surprise new role at Parkhead, find out more here