Celtic will listen to offers for out-of-favour midfielder James McCarthy in the January transfer window, according to a new update.

The Lowdown: McCarthy struggling for minutes

The Irishman has been limited to nothing more than a cameo role at Parkhead so far this season, with Ange Postecoglou preferring others in his midfield even when injuries struck.

In fact, McCarthy has only featured for 22 minutes in the Scottish Premiership in 2022/23, highlighting how much he has been in the background.

The 31-year-old's current Celtic deal may not expire until 2025 but it looks as though he could be shipped off long before then.

The Latest: January exit possible

According to Football Insider reporter Wayne Veysey, the Hoops will 'listen to offers' for McCarthy in January, having 'struggled to make an impact' at the club.

It is also stated that Celtic are 'keen to free up space on their wage bill', with the midfielder currently earning £14,000 per week at Parkhead.

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The Verdict: Makes perfect sense

McCarthy's time in a Celtic shirt has undoubtedly been disappointing, considering he was once described as 'excellent' by Roy Hodgson and has won 42 caps for the Republic of Ireland.

It simply hasn't worked out for him, not helped by injuries, so it now makes complete sense for the Hoops to ship him off in January and get him off their wage bill.

McCarthy may not be without suitors, despite his struggles, and it could give Postecoglou the opportunity to bring in a like-for-like replacement.