‘Nice have missed the boat with me,’ Romain Perraud wants move ‘very quickly’

CHRISTOPHER JULLIEN is now a Celtic player and there’s progress on two of the other top targets plus some more news on the David Turnbull transfer saga.

The 27 year old central defender this morning completed his £7million move from Toulouse as Celtic tool top for the Ten. And Celtic are set to continue their summer spending spree in France by signing Nice left back Romain Perraud.

Celtic have already had two bids rejected for the 21 year old who spent last season out on loan at FC Paris and are still talking to the Cote d’Azur side who have been told into uncertain terms by Perraud that he wants a move.

Speaking to L’Equipe, Perraud gave an update on his situation and revealed that he is less than happy with his current club.

“I am under contract. I respect people but this season, I did not receive a single call when was I performing very well.

“I am not even speaking about a contract extension offer, just to have a catch-up with me.

“This is a difficult situation and I hope that it will ease off very quickly. I have no news from the current representatives but Nice have missed the boat with me. I want a new challenge,” Perraud said.

That new challenge looks like a straight choice between a move to Brest in Brittany or a chance to play on the bigger stage with Celtic in European football. As we told you earlier in the week Celtic are firm favourites to get this one over the line.

That leaves Luca Connell who visited Celtic Park yesterday with his representatives and was shown around by Peter Lawwell as a deal was discussed. Bolton are in administration and are a basket case of a club. There had been incorrect reports that Connell had extended his deal there but that is not the case and yesterday he effectively ‘handed in his notice’.

Celtic would hope to get this deal over the line imminently and would have to pay a small development fee to Bolton for the Irish youngster, who is set to join up with Ireland Under 19s.

This morning the Bolton News revealed that the club’s Administrators have turned down a request from Connell to terminate his scholarship contract at the club. The local paper claims that Connell yesterday submitted a 14-day notice to the club but his demand has been rejected. If successful he would be able to sign for the Scottish Champions, with Celtic having to pay a cross border development fee of around £250,000.

However Celtic have also spoken with the Administrators at the club and a slightly higher fee could be sorted as a compromise to allow this deal to progress.

Luca spoke about The Celtic interest earlier in the week, as we reported.

“Everyone knows Celtic are a massive club,” he said. “It’d be an honour to represent them if that’s what the final decision is. I’m keeping my options open and hopefully I can take the right one in the next few weeks.

“I just want to make sure I’m playing, wherever I go.

“I’ve read in the media that lots of big clubs are interested but I think at this age it’s important to be playing. Then hopefully the money will come with that.”

Things have progressed since the 18 year old made these remarks and this is another deal that is edging tantalisingly close.

David Turnbull is making it known that he wants to join Celtic and is pretty unhappy at the deal collapsing yesterday, judging by the various items that have appeared on social media. There’s a WhatsApp group which could be genuine where he is clear about wanting The Celtic deal to proceed.

And we reported yesterday on his activity on Twitter…

Now Neil Lennon has confirmed that Celtic are still looking at signing Turnbull, whether it is in this window or perhaps in January. “Could we revisit it? Absolutely,” the manager said to Celtic TV.

Talking of Celtic TV, did you watch the latest Access All Areas video from the 6-1 win over the Austrian minnows Pinkafield the other night? It’s excellent as always…enjoy!

About Author

The Celtic Star founder and editor, who has edited numerous Celtic books over the past decade or so including several from Lisbon Lions, Willie Wallace, Tommy Gemmell and Jim Craig. Earliest Celtic memories include a win over East Fife at Celtic Park and the 4-1 League Cup loss to Partick Thistle as a 6 year old. Best game? Easy 4-2, 1979 when Ten Men Won the League. Email editor@thecelticstar.co.uk

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