Sources: PL club make move to sign Celtic first teamer on loan-to-buy deal
West Brom have made a move to sign Celtic midfielder Olivier Ntcham on a loan-to-buy deal, Football Insider can exclusively reveal.
This site broke the news earlier this week that the Baggies had joined the race for the versatile Frenchman.
A West Brom source has told Football Insider the club are exploring an initial loan for Ntcham with a view to a permanent move next summer.
It remains to be seen if Celtic would be willing to let a key member of their all-conquering Scottish champions depart on those terms.
There is also interest in the midfielder from long-term suitors Southampton as well as French duo Lyon and Marseille.
Football Insider revealed earlier this year that Neil Lennon's side value Ntcham at around £12million, nearly three times what they paid for him in 2017.
However, Albion believe he can be signed for a cheaper price as he does not always start for the Hoops.
He has made nine appearances for Celtic this season, five of which have been in the starting XI.
In Lennon's favoured 3-5-2 formation, Ntcham started last weekend's 3-2 win over Livingston in a central playmaking role.
He has tended to be used in more advanced positions since Lennon replaced Brendan Rodgers as manager, after being almost exclusively played in central midfield alongside Scott Brown in his first season in Glasgow.
Ntcham has made 132 appearances in all competitions for the Hoops, scoring 23 goals and supplying 13 assists.
He has two years remaining on his Hoops contract.