“You spin me right round, baby Right round, like a record baby, Right round, round round”
It’s only lunchtime on transfer deadline day and these Dead or Alive lyrics are already going through my mind.
It all started very promisingly when news Leicester City were getting the Centre half they wanted. Brendan Rodgers had already said if he was successful in getting a Central defender through the door then Filip Benkovic would be allowed to leave by the same method.
Good news then when we heard at 10am that Wolves Ryan Bennett was heading to the East Midlands on a short term deal. Two and two together looked like being four. Benkovic to Celtic? It all made sense.
Unfortunately it was down to Sky to rain on our parade when they announced that should the Bennett deal be signed sealed and delivered that Benkovic was heading to Bristol City until the summer. Still time for all that to change but for now it looks far from likely that Benkovic is coming back to Parkhead. And after Celtic offered a very public olive branch with birthday wishes to Brendan too? Where’s the love?
Then came the London Evening Standard announcing that Spurs and Celtic were in negotiations to bring Victor Wanyama back home. Advanced negotiations in fact.
It is probably a sign of just how far that particular publication has dropped in recent years that the hopes raised were dashed almost immediately when Sky Sports announced that Celtic are ‘insisting’ they are not interested in Wanyama.
That said the fact Celtic commented so quickly at least shows those who make these decisions haven’t headed to Gleneagles for 18 holes rather than expecting any transfer activity. Though it appears Lawwell was on the blower to Sky immediately and then straight to the dry cleaners to get his shirt and tie cleaned. Spat out coffee is a bitch to get out of silk.
The reliable Alison Conroy also confirmed that the club have distanced themselves from this latest Wanyama story.
You can forget Victor Wanyama returning to Celtic today. The club say it’s not happening.
— Alison Conroy (@AlisonGConroy) January 31, 2020
Meanwhile ‘the’ Rangers have signed Paul Dalglish-sorry Ianis Hagi-same thing really. In both cases you’d still rather have their old man even in their dotage rather than their bang average offspring.
Hagi has shown up well at every level right up to Under 21. So far he’s rather been found wanting when actually involved in the men’s game. A loan deal with an option to buy for £4 million is funny on two levels. The fee is crazy for a player that has done nothing in the game and hilarious that anyone involved in that deal thinks ‘the’ Rangers actually have £4million.
Our rivals have also been linked with Florian Kamberi from Hibs and Loathsome Dykes from Livingston as they pick up the phone to any Scottish striker who lives within an hour’s drive of Ibrox. Don’t discount Scott Dobie arriving in a blaze of glory after rush hour has calmed down. Cheaper cab fares when the traffic gets lighter.
Oh and one more thing. Rosenborg are saying Birger Meling can leave the club for £1 million. Well it wouldn’t be a transfer window without at least a mention of the Norwegian full-back. If we didn’t bring his availability to your attention poor Birger would be feeling a little left out.
Niall J
ALSO ON THE CELTIC STAR…
Irish Passport reminder for Celtic fans as Glasgow Delivers Brilliant Brexit Day Message…see HERE.
Casualties and Celtic’s Transfer Window End Game – Niall J…see HERE.
Transfer Window Latest – Filip Benkovic and Loan Move News…see HERE.
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