If the latest report from Glasgow Live is believed to be true, new proposed Celtic boss Eddie Howe would bring in Bournemouth centre-half Steven Cook who is available this summer on a Bosman transfer. Howe is set to return to management next season with the Parkhead side having endured a relegation misfortune with the Cherries last year.
While Howe’s arrival would uplift the spirit within the Hoops camp, the reputation of the young Englishman should see the board snapping up top-notch stars. Their bitter rivalry with Rangers is set to reignite, particularly after the latter’s stunning uprise under Steven Gerrard. The Bears have ended Celtic’s decade-long monopoly en route to conquering the coveted Premiership crown and the Bhoys, thus, are desperate to reclaim the lost status in the forthcoming future.
Celtic’s Crisis In The Heart Of The Backline
Celtic have limitations in various slots but must reconstruct the backline prior to the upcoming campaign. Shane Duffy’s loan stint from Brighton & Hove Albion turned out disastrous, whereas Kristoffer Ajer might find new suitors as he would enter the final year of his contract. The Hoops must cash in on their prized asset over losing him for free a year later. Nir Bitton, too, is considering his future amid interest from hometown outfit Maccabi Tel-Aviv [The Scottish Sun].
Why The Arrival Of Cook Would Boost Celtic Significantly
Stephen Welsh, meanwhile, is a promising prospect who has slotted in well alongside Ajer. An injury-ravaged season saw Christopher Jullien missing out on months of football, but the towering central defensive ace is expected to restore stability in the deep defensive line from next term onwards. Yet they lack enough depth as well as quality if compared to Rangers and the signing of Cook would inject both experience and leadership traits in the absence of skipper Scott Brown (set to join Aberdeen as a player-coach upon completion of the current campaign).
Captain Cook has spent a decade in Dorset with 374 appearances so far across the top three tiers of the English pyramid. Bournemouth is currently fighting for a playoff place finish to keep their promotion hopes alive and the 29-year-old is solely focusing on attaining the same before deciding his future. He, however, is tipped to explore a fresh opportunity elsewhere and the offer of a reunion with Howe is too good to turn down due to the temptation of silverware and European football.
