The Athletic's Celtic correspondent Kieran Devlin has claimed that the Hoops ‘definitely’ want to make Cameron Carter-Vickers’ loan move from Tottenham permanent in the summer.
The Lowdown: Premier League clubs keen
The 24-year-old has been a regular under Ange Postecoglou this season and the Hoops have an option to make his loan move permanent at the end of the season in a deal worth an initial £6m.
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The USA international, who has been hailed as ‘incredible’ by his former Luton Town boss Graeme Jones, is on £22,000 per week but is now attracting interest from a number of English teams.
According to reports in the week, eight English clubs are showing an interest in the 24-year-old, five of which currently ply their trade in the Premier League.
The Latest: Devlin’s comments on Carter-Vickers
Here at The Transfer Tavern, we asked Devlin on Sunday morning for an update on Carter-Vickers following the links with numerous teams south.
This is what he had to say in reply in his Q&A on The Athletic, claiming that the Hoops ‘definitely’ want to sign the defender:
“Nothing new, really. Celtic have first say with their option-to-buy and they definitely want him, but ultimately it'll be down to the player I believe.
"Newcastle was his preference in August but their interest wasn't serious enough, so when Spurs called Celtic and offered them him on deadline day they readily accepted - they'd enquired about a loan with option-to-buy earlier that month but Spurs initially rejected it wanting only a permanent move, but by deadline day they just wanted him out the squad.
"Not sure how that's changed and wouldn't want to speculate - whether he now feels at home at Celtic or whether his performances attracting EPL attention will swivel his head.”
The Verdict: Fingers crossed
Postecoglou has trusted Carter-Vickers throughout the season and has reaped the rewards, with the defender impressing in Glasgow.
No Celtic player has won more aerial duels per game than the American, who also leads the way in terms of clearances per game at Parkhead and is dribbled past the least. [WhoScored]
A £6m permanent deal would make him the club’s ninth-most expensive signing of all time, but following his performances this season, it could prove to be a shrewd move in the long run, especially with plenty of Premier League sides now keen on him.
In other news: Journalist drops 'insane' Celtic transfer claim regarding Ange moving for Real Madrid winger