Brendan Rodgers has a tough task this summer, as he looks to improve on a squad that has already won everything possible in Scotland last year. The Celts remain the strongest outfit in the country, but the manager is still desperate to add some quality to his side, to make sure that they can compete with the best next season.
They are usually smart in their transfer plans and have now identified Scottish midfielder John McGinn as the right man for the squad at Celtic Park. The 23-year old has a made a name for himself as one of the most consistent midfielders in the Premiership, playing for Hibernian but his performances have attracted interest from the biggest clubs in the country.
Rodgers has already failed to land McGinn with a couple of bids earlier this summer and reports now suggest that the Hibs have rejected yet another offer, their third one, of up to £2m from Celtic for McGinn. They are holding out for close to £4m and Rodgers may yet be ready to meet that valuation. However, here are three alternatives for the 23-year old, if Celtic want to move on:
Marko Grujic (Liverpool):
Though not as versatile as McGinn, the Serbian international adds a lot of steel to the midfield of his side and could be up for grabs this summer. He does not have a first-team place at Liverpool and could be off on a loan deal and Celtic should definitely give him a shot. He gathered loads of experience at Cardiff City last season and though the Premiership is a new challenge, he does have the attributes to challenge for a first-team spot at Celtic Park next season.
James McArthur (Crystal Palace):
The 30-year old has just two seasons left on his current deal at Selhurst Park and could be up for sale this summer. The Scottish international was born and brought up in Glasgow and reports this summer have claimed that Celtic might make a move for him before the start of the new season. He is not a crucial part of Hodgson’s squad at Palace and will also be available on the cheap, making him a decent acquisition for the Celts.
Read More: Celtic’s Third Bid Of £2m For 23 Y/O Scottish Midfielder Rejected: What Now For Rodgers?
James Morrison (West Brom):
Another experienced midfielder, who could be interested in a move back to his home country, is Morrison. The 32-year old played just a handful of league games for the Baggies last season and has already been linked with a move to Celtic Park this summer. He is a decent stop-gap alternative for the club if they fail to land McGinn this summer.
