Sources: English big hitters plot last-gasp raid for Celtic £30,000-a-wk star

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Published on:

02 Sep 2019, 1:30 am

By Wayne Veysey

Sunderland are plotting a last-gasp raid for frozen-out Celtic winger Scott Sinclair, Football Insider understands.

The 30-year-old has been given the green light to leave Parkhead on deadline day after once again being omitted from the Hoops squad for yesterday's 2-0 Old Firm win at Ibrox.

A Sunderland source has told Football Insider that the north-east big hitters have set their sights on taking advantage of the availability of SInclair, who came close to joining Derby County earlier this month.

There is also strong interest in the £30,000-a-week star from overseas clubs on the final day of the main European window.

Sinclair is looking to end his three-year association with Celtic are plummeting down the pecking order this season under Neil Lennon.

He has failed to even make the matchday squad for the last four European ties as well as yesterday's landmark triumph over Rangers.

Celtic announced on Friday they had signed Mohamed Elyounoussi on a season-long loan from Southampton and he is set to slot into the left-wing position in Neil Lennon's side.

Sunderland, managed by ex-St Mirren boss Jack Ross, are interested in Sinclair after Saturday's 3-0 defeat to Peterborough highlighted their lack of attacking firepower despite the presence of Hoops old boy Aiden McGeady on the wing.

Lennon's first choice wide men this season have been James Forrest and Mikey Johnstone, while yesterday's scorer Jonny Hayes, Ryan Christie, Lewis Morgan and Marian Shved are also ahead of Sinclair in the pecking order.

Sinclair is in the final year of his contract at Parkhead after Celtic triggered a 12-month extension to his original deal in May.

In other Celtic news, it can be REVEALED that the club have agreed terms with a 30 goal/assists forward after he snubbed two top-flight offers by giant clubs.

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