John Hartson posts fascinating Twitter verdict on future of Celtic ace
By Will Butcher
John Hartson has claimed on Twitter that Celtic’s interest in Moussa Dembele will “seriously test” the board.
The Guardian claim that that Antonio Conte’s Premier League leaders are weighing up a huge bid of £30million on deadline day, and could reignite their interest in the summer if they fail.
However, Sky Sports reported on Monday that it would take bids of £40million for Celtic to listen to offers for Dembele.
Posting on his personal Twitter account, former Hoops striker Hartson revealed that he “would love” Celtic to keep Dembele but conceded that a bid would “seriously test” the Celtic board.
Dembele has been in wonderful form for Brendan Rodgers’ side since his move to Glasgow from Championship outfit Fulham in the summer.
The 20-year-old striker has scored 20 goals in just 38 league and cup appearances for the 47-time Scottish champions, catching the eye of manager Conte.
As well as his prolific form in front of goal for the Scottish side, Dembele has also broken into the France Under-21 side since making his debut in October, scoring four times in four games.
With a potential Champions League campaign next term, Rodgers will be desperate to keep his goal machine at Celtic Park to contend with Europe’s elite in 2017-18.
Hartson, who played in Glasgow for five years between 2001 and 2006, was also known for his goalscoring form after scoring 109 goals in 201 league and cup encounters.
Football Insider verdict:
Hartson is right in that Celtic’s board will be tested in trying to resist a £40million offer for the French wonderkid, but that sort of money could be the difference the Hoops need in helping Rodgers take the Bhoys to the knockout stages of the Champions League. Celtic were outplayed in the elite competition at times, losing 7-0 to Barcelona in one of their six encounters. Although selling Dembele would be a huge loss, that kind of instant profit, after Celtic signed him for £500,000 compensation, would go a huge way in helping the Hoops bring in a better quality of player in more than just one position.
In other Celtic transfer news, the club are set to hold deadlined day talks with a defender.
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