Sheffield Wednesday have released a press statement confirming that Liam Shaw has signed a pre-contract with Celtic. However, the English Championship have said that they have launched an investigation into the news being broken by Neil Lennon in a January press conference, which appeared to take The Owls by surprise.
In a statement released on their website, Wednesday said that the player will be available for selection but that Celtic ceased correspondence before Shaw was announced by the former manager.
“Sheffield Wednesday can confirm that midfielder Liam Shaw has signed a pre-contract agreement with Scottish Premiership side Celtic.
“We are currently investigating this matter and will consider if there are any further steps available to protect the club’s interest.
“It was not our intention to place this development into the public domain out of respect to all parties concerned.
“However, we were contacted by Celtic informing the club of their intention to formally confirm this development, which was revealed by the former Celtic manager in a media briefing.
“Both clubs exchanged statements in advance of a coordinated release but Celtic have since ceased correspondence to this end.
“Shaw remains a Sheffield Wednesday player until the expiry of his current contract and will be available for selection for the remainder of the season.
“We will make no further comment at this time.”
Celtic are yet to officially announce the signing, other than Lennon’s comments to the media but this news confirms that Shaw will be a Celt next season.
Shaw can play central midfield as well as centre back and will arrive for a fee believed to be in the region of £300k for his development. Sheffield Wednesday were desperate to sign him on a new deal but the attraction to Celtic was clearly too much for the youngster.
Last month, the Sheffield Wednesday owner criticised the player’s agent for allowing the deal to go through so it looks like sour grapes from Dejphon Chansiri and the League One-bound outfit.
Glenn Loovens suggested that the player’s best position may be as a central defender, suggesting he will take a similar path as Kris Ajer, who arrived at Celtic as a midfielder and is comfortably the best defender at the club.
