According to the Scottish Sun, Celtic are set to face further competition from Sunderland for the signing of long-term target Ali McCann. The Hoops scouted the St. Johnstone youngster extensively throughout the previous term and his influence in the Saints’ incredible domestic double has now drawn the attention of the Black Cats.
The 21-year-old Northern Ireland international made 43 club appearances last season across competitions. He netted and laid on twice each from central midfield [stats via Transfermarket], whereas the composure exhibited in the centre of the pitch earned him accolades in the Cup finals against Livingston and Hibernian.
The Saints, meanwhile, have slapped a fee in the region of £2m for their prized asset. Club chairman Steve Brown wants a club-record deal (more than the £1.75m figure that Blackburn Rovers paid for gaffer Callum Davidson back in 1998) for the highly-rated teenager as he revealed the same in the past while addressing the future of the rising star.
“If Ali is going to go, it will be north of that figure. If the right offer comes along and a player wants to leave, which is another thing you have to take into consideration, then we will sell. But it will be at a price we are happy with.”
Celtic have begun their pre-season camp under Ange Postecoglou with a 3-1 win against Sheffield Wednesday on Wednesday afternoon. Yet the gaffer is expecting a squad overhaul in the coming days amid rumours of several high-profile exits and the club, thus, must start able alternatives to accelerate the transition. Osaze Urhoghide and Liam Shaw are welcome additions from the Owls, but the young pair are unlikely to attain an instant starting role due to limited senior minutes at their previous club.
Why Celtic Should Meet St. Johnstone’s Valuation For McCann
The Hoops have explored the Scottish market over the years and roped in promising prospects from Premiership rivals. Many of them earned fame worldwide after developing their game at Lennoxtown and a player of McCann’s potential holds all the traits to make it big under the new Celtic chief.
Sunderland are still stuck in the English third tier following a play-off semifinal defeat against Lincoln City and have already lost hitman Charlie Wyke (has also been a Celtic target) to Wigan on a Bosman. They are determined to redeem the lost status under new ownership and Celtic, thus, must step up interest in McCann not to repeat the mistake made while chasing John McGinn a few years back.
