Celtic have been pursuing Hibernian FC midfielder John McGinn and as of now, it is expected that the midfielder will be a Hoops player by the time the league season starts. However, Hibs are standing firm on their ground as they have rejected two bids for their star midfielder from the Celts.
McGinn wasn’t included in the squad for the 1st leg of the Europa League qualifier against Runavik. However, their manager Neil Lennon had brought him back in the team in the second leg encounter. The Easter Road outfit ran out 6-1 winners in the first round and had to toil a bit harder to come out victorious by 6-4 in the second leg and are comfortably placed to qualify for the second round.
After the second leg ended, Lennon said that it was “out of his remit” to understand the situation about the transfer of the 23-year-old midfield ace. He said, “Negotiations might be going on or they might have stalled,” and added, “I don’t know. But he’s a cracking player, one of our best, and he needed the 90 minutes. Our focus now is all on next week and that will do John the world of good.”
Reports are indicative that the Bhoys will come up with the third and improved offer for the Scottish international. Though Lennon confirmed that there have been no further offering for their star midfielder.
There is still some time to go in the transfer market so anything can happen. However, Rodgers will need to prepare for a situation if he doesn’t manage to land his target and we look at three replacements they can go after if they fail to sign the 23-year-old midfielder.
Marko Grujic
The Liverpool midfielder will find it tough to get some first-team action at Anfield as the Reds have signed some impressive midfielders in the transfer market. Grujic spent the second half of last season on loan with Cardiff City who got promoted to the Premier League. Rodgers can bring him to Celtic Park and he has all the aspects to his game to be a success in the Scottish Premiership.
Joe Ralls
The Cardiff City midfielder played a crucial role in the Bluebirds qualification to the Premier League. He was a constant feature in the middle of the park for his side as he made 40 appearances and managed a tally of 7 goals and 5 assists. He will be well suited to take up the mantle in the middle of the park for the Hoops.
Read More: Rodgers Reluctant To Let Go Of Celtic Midfielder On Rivals’ Radar: Does He Have A Future Under Him?
Matt Grimes
The former England u-21 international will be a decent bet for Rodgers to replace McGinn in the middle of the park. The 23-year-old spent last season on loan at Northampton Town in League One and managed a tally of 4 goals and 11 assists.
