Tottenham insider John Wenham believes that Celtic may only need to pay a maximum of £3m to sign Cameron Carter-Vickers on a permanent basis.
The Lowdown: £10m reports
The American defender made the move to Parkhead in the final hours of the summer transfer window, penning a season-long loan which includes an option to buy.
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Since his move to Scotland, the centre-back has made 18 appearances in all competitions, becoming a mainstay in Ange Postecoglou’s side.
Rumours emerged earlier this month that a permanent move could end up costing the Hoops £10m due to add-ons, but Wenham has dismissed those reports.
The Latest: Wenham’s comments
Wenham was talking to Football Insider regarding the recent £10m report. He labelled it as ‘ridiculous’, believing that it could instead cost Celtic between £2.5m and £3m to sign Carter-Vickers permanently.
The Spurs insider noted:
“I just cannot see that being the figure.
“I know for a fact Tottenham would have sold him for £2.5million in the summer.
“Tottenham were also happy to sell him for that much in the past. The club is realistic in their valuations. He has 18 months remaining on his deal after January.
“There is no way Tottenham are asking for £10million, that’s ridiculous.
“I reckon it will be between £2.5million or £3million. That £10million figure is totally wide of the mark.”
The Verdict: Great news…
Should Wenham’s claim prove accurate, Celtic would end up getting 70% off the rumoured £10m fee, making it even more of a no-brainer to complete a permanent deal for Carter-Vickers.
Labelled as ‘quick’ by his former Bournemouth boss Jonathan Woodgate, with one-time Parkhead record signing Alan Stubbs also impressed by the American's pace, the 23-year-old has been praised by Postecoglou during his time at Parkhead and has proven to be a reliable member of the Hoops squad.
He has missed just one game in green and white, partnering the likes of Carl Starfelt, Stephen Welsh and Nir Bitton at centre-back.
On that basis, the Hoops may be wise to look into sealing a £3m move in January, with plans to make Jota’s loan permanent also planned before the end of the season.
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