Reliable reporter Kieran Devlin has revealed Celtic didn’t make an enquiry over former St Johnstone man Ali McCann this summer.
The Lowdown: Hoops links, Preston move
McCann was linked with a late switch to Parkhead, however, a £3m asking price for the 21-year-old seemingly put the Hoops off.
The central midfielder was on the move on deadline day, though, joining Championship side Preston North End on a four-year deal.
Reports suggested a £1.2m fee was agreed on between Dominic McKay and the Saints, and it appears as if Celtic were never in for McCann after all.
The Latest: Devlin claim
Devlin, Celtic’s correspondent for The Athletic, shared a story on Wednesday looking at the Hoops’ summer business.
He replied to a subscriber in the comments section who labelled it ‘bizarre’ for Celtic not to move for McCann, with Devlin making a 10-word claim, believing the Hoops and CEO McKay never asked the question.
“Club didn't enquire about him as far as I know.”
The Verdict: A missed opportunity?
McCann made close to 100 appearances for St Johnstone, and at the age of 21, could have been a shrewd signing by the Hoops for a relatively low fee.
He picked up The Athletic’s SPFL Young Player of the Year Award last season and helped his side win both cup competitions during the 2020/21 campaign.
Celtic have had success in picking up a young Scottish midfielder in David Turnbull, so they may have missed a trick when it comes to McCann, especially with James McCarthy and youngster Liam Shaw being the club’s only additions in that department this summer.