‘Celtic plan to accept £20m Nicolas Kuhn offer’
Celtic are determined to keep Nicolas Kuhn at the club beyond the summer transfer window amid interest from the likes of RB Leipzig and Newcastle.
That is according to former Man United and Blackburn chief scout Mick Brown, who remains very well-connected within the game, as he exclusively told Football Insider that Brendan Rodgers values the 25-year-old as a crucial part of his plans.
However, offers in excess of £20million are likely to force the club’s hand and they may be powerless to keep hold of the German despite their reluctance to sell.
This comes after Football Insider revealed Celtic will demand £15-20million for Kuhn and are in a strong negotiating position as his contract is set to run until 2029.
Rodgers had hoped to keep his best players at the club while building around them as they prepare to compete in the Champions League, but now faces losing a key man.
Football Insider revealed on 16 June that RB Leizpig are prepared to sign Kuhn and have the financial muscle to do so despite a poor domestic season.
Celtic make Nicolas Kuhn decision after ‘£20m’ twist
Brown told Football Insider in February that Newcastle scouts have been watching Kuhn and have been impressed by his displays in the Champions League.
The former scout, who has a wealth of experience in top-level player recruitment after over a decade at Man United during their most successful period, insisted that interest from top clubs has lingered and Celtic may be forced to cash in.
“Brendan Rodgers is determined to keep his best players at Celtic,” he told Football Insider.
“That includes Kuhn, who has been an important player for them and would continue to be.
“The manager wants to build his team around players like that, not just let them go because that then forces them to try to find a replacement.
“Celtic rate him very highly, but ultimately they will view him as a sellable asset.
“Premier League and European sides are sniffing around him and they’d be prepared to pay.
“If they can make big money from him, £20million or even more than that, they might not have a choice.
“I don’t think they’re in a position to turn down offers of that value, no matter what their plans are.
“The positive is, that should allow them to go and sign a top-class replacement and I think they’re an attractive enough club to make that happen.”
Evan Ferguson update emerges as A-list striker targeted
As Celtic prepare for a busy transfer window with incoming and outgoing deals expected, they have now set their sights on Brighton’s Evan Ferguson.
Brown told Football Insider on 23 June that Celtic are confident of landing Ferguson on loan ahead of the likes of Everton and Nottingham Forest.
The Hoops believe their ability to offer him guaranteed playing time and Champions League football could swing the deal in their favour.
This comes after Football Insider revealed in March that Celtic plan to sign an A-list striker in the summer after losing Kyogo Furuhashi without signing a replacement.
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