If a report from the Daily Mail (as claimed by the Daily Record) is believed to be true, Celtic are keeping close tabs on Hibernian forward Kevin Nisbet. The Hoops are undergoing a summer rebuild under Ange Postecoglou, and the Aussie boss has been spot on so far with early business amid rumours of key exits in the coming days.
The Hoops need reinforcements both in attack as well as the defensive third. The latter has been addressed by adding Osaze Urhoghide from Sheffield Wednesday, and the 21-year-old defender is tipped to make it big, having exhibited his versatility across the backline.
Meanwhile, Leigh Griffiths has signed a new one-year deal to start afresh under the new gaffer. He had been more than decent in the past and would attempt to regain the lost status overcoming a period of personal concerns. Although a move to Leicester City seems to have collapsed, Odsonne Edouard remains a man in demand. The Bhoys would struggle to keep hold of the Frenchman and, therefore, should secure the services of Nisbet to avoid a ‘panic buy’ late in the window.
Why Celtic Must Snap Up Nisbet Ahead Of The Other Suitors
The Scotsman fired in 14 league goals last season and finished behind Edouard (18) in the golden boot race. He proved to be an instant success in the Scottish top tier following a productive 2019-20 championship campaign with Dunfermline Athletic. His prolific poaching instinct was recognised by Steve Clarke who deployed the forward in all three of Scotland’s EURO 2020 group stage outings.
While a fee of around £4m would be enough to meet Hibs’ valuation, Celtic might still face competition for Nisbet from south of the border. A bid from Birmingham City was rejected earlier this year, and a surge in the form of the 24-year-old could lead to further interest unless the Hoops act swiftly in striking a deal with Hibernian.
Celtic are gearing up for the Champions League qualifier against Midtjylland later this month. It’s a stern test for them due to the ongoing transition and Postecoglou must conclude the majority of business before locking horns with the Danish hotshots.
Albian Ajeti’s dismal form led to omission from the Switzerland squad, whereas Toulouse want Vakoun Issouf Bayo back for their promotion push after an impressive loan spell in Ligue 2. A shakeup high up the pitch must be scripted to avoid disappointment, and the club should view Nisbet as Griffith’s long-term replacement for similar traits.
