KIERAN TIERNEY remains at the centre of transfer news this morning. We told you yesterday that Napoli were set to make their move and push ahead of cash-strapped Arsenal in the pursuit of Celtic’s World Class left back.
And Celtic are hoping to get left back Boli Bolingoli-Mbombo through his medical to complete a £3million transfer from Rapid Vienna ahead of tomorrow’s Champions League signing deadline.
Celtic appear to have had a price in mind since last summer for Tierney and last July it was Everton who were reluctant to meet the £25million fee. This appears to be the figure that has been previously agreed between the club and the player’s representatives.
If Arsenal are unable to meet Celtic’s price and Napoli are then we could be losing KT to the Italian rather than the English league. Yet KT is clearly still unfit after his double hernia operation. The English transfer window closes at the start of August, almost a month before the Scottish window closes, surely Celtic – if they have to sell the player through a prior agreement – would be better served waiting until early August when the frantic spending down south will be in full swing?
Would KT even pass a medical at the moment?
“We have a price for our player,” Neil Lennon re-affirmed after the eventful goalless draw against St Gallen last night that brought to an end the summer pre-season schedule in the Alpine region.
“He’s on a long-term contract and we won’t sell him for anything less than we feel is the right price.
“As I said last week, the first offer wasn’t what we’d look for and I don’t think we’ve had another one yet.
“It’s as you were. Will it rumble on? Probably. These things take their course whether it happens or not. We have a price for our player. He’s on an long-term contract and we won’t sell him for anything less than we feel is the right price.
“It can be unsettling, but he’s been okay. He’s not really training with the group, but hopefully, we’ll see him on the training ground in a week or two.
“In terms of where he is mentally, it’s got to be unsettling for him, it’s only natural.”
And The Celtic manager expects one or two new arrivals before tomorrow’s Champions League signing deadline for the first round of qualifiers. Celtic kick-off their campaign to reach the group stages in Sarajevo on Tuesday and a player likely to feature in that match is Rapid Vienna’s left back Boli Bolingoli-Mbombo.
A £3million fee has been agreed with the Austrian club and personal terms have also been sorted out. Bolingoli-Mbombo is expected in Glasgow today to undergo his medical and complete the move that will see him join Christopher Jullien and Luca Connell as new summer signings at the Treble Treble winners.
“As for Bolingoli-Mbombo, we are not too far away and he will be another good addition to the squad.
“He gives us competition at left- back. He’s strong, athletic and good on the ball.”
Lenny dismissed reports linking Tom Rogic with a £9million move to Zenit St Petersburg saying that it was just speculation.
“It’s speculation at the moment as far as I’m concerned. He is a good player and I want to keep all of my good players,” Lenny told the media as reported by Scottish Sun.
????️ “It was a step up in quality and they got 90 minutes in their legs before Sarajevo.”
????️ #CelticFC manager Neil Lennon gives his thoughts on the match as the Bhoys draw 0-0 in their final pre-season game. pic.twitter.com/iXRyDLSff5
— Celtic Football Club (@CelticFC) July 2, 2019
Last night Jonny Hayes had to play at left-back as Celtic didn’t appear to have a recognised defender for that position available. The Irishman spoke after the game and felt that St Gallen provided Celtic with an excellent warm-up match to prepare the team for the hugely important game on Tuesday in Sarajevo.
