Celtic striker Moussa Dembele has recently been subject to a lot of speculation with regards to a switch to the Premier League and Brighton were understood to be leading the chase for his services. However, Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers has addressed the future of Dembele and claimed that there was “nothing” in the rumours of a possible £18m switch to Brighton. In a recent interview, Rodgers was quoted to have said:
“I haven’t been informed about anything from the club. It is all part of the modern game.
“There will be interest, of course, but there is nothing in it.
“We don’t want to lose any players. However, if there is something that comes in, it goes back to that issue, morally.
“If there is something where a player can earn five times as much as what he is on now, then it is very difficult to stop him, especially if you get a fee for a player.
“But there is a lot for that to happen, there is a lot that needs to be right.
“We don’t need to sell anyone. But what is always important at Celtic, especially when you are doing so well, you know there is always going to be interesting and you have to prepare forward for the ‘What if?’.
“And if we do lose any of our players for what I have just said then we hope to have some to bring in to keep the continuation.”
With Moussa Dembele’s immediate Celtic future currently up in smoke, let’s take a look at three alternative options for Chris Hughton to consider going into the January transfer window.
Shane Long
The Southampton striker has struggled to find regular game time this season and it has shown in his performances so far. The forward has failed to live up to his manager’s expectations and has been going through a long goal drought in the Premier League. However, a move to Brighton might reignite the fire in him and with Chris Hughton at the helm, he may be able to get the best out of the Republic of Ireland international. Long is a forward with a wealth of experience in the Premier League which will benefit the Seagulls if they manage to recruit him next month.
Leon Clarke
The Sheffield United centre-forward has been on fire of late and has scored 14 goals and made two assists in 21 appearances for the Blades this season. However, the 32-year-old striker isn’t a long-term investment but will definitely benefit Brighton in the near future if given the chance.
Matěj Vydra
The Derby County forward is another striker who has been lighting up the Championship with his performances this term. The 25-year-old Czech Republic international has found the back of the net 14 times and provided three assists in 21 appearances so far this season. He can be an ideal fit to the Seagulls forward line if Hughton decides to opt for him.
