SOUTHAMPTON are interested in signing Celtic midfielder Olivier Ntcham from the Scottish Champions. The 24-year-old has started the last two games on the substitutes bench for Neil Lennon’s side but Premier League interest has been revived in the Frenchman
As reported by 90Min, the Premier League clubs are interested in bringing the former Manchester City man in during the transfer window. The fee of £20m has been discussed and that fee appears to be something that could force the club into making a decision.
Ntcham has two years remaining on his current deal and with Southampton gearing up to replace Hojberg, they may be tempted to make him an offer of first team football with a reunion with Stuart Armstrong also on the cards.
DO NOT SELL
Olivier Ntcham is one of the club’s top players but finding a place for him in the starting XI appears to be difficult. Lennon, Kennedy and Strachan will know his abilities at training but they need to find a way to get him into the team. Ntcham should be one of the first names on the team sheet every week, he is fast, skilful and has an eye for a pass. Not only does he do the dirty work, he also has a final product.
Celtic cannot sell a player of this calibre ahead of what is a vital season. Ntcham is reliable and experienced (despite his age) enough to really make a difference when called upon, he should be a regular starter and hopefully Neil Lennon sees this before the midfielder decides to seek a starting place elsewhere.
