OPINION
Everton are one of three Premier League clubs reportedly chasing Celtic midfielder Stuart Armstrong with an agreement yet to be reached over a new contract.
The Daily Express claims Southampton have jumped to the front of the queue to sign 25-year-old Armstrong, with Mauricio Pellegrino’s side said to be readying a £3million bid for the Scotland international.
However, Everton and West Brom are also said to be monitoring Armstrong’s situation, who has just one more season remaining on his contract at Celtic Park.
The report states that Celtic are desperate to keep Armstrong and remain in talks with the former Dundee United ace over a new deal, but both parties are far from striking a deal to keep the playmaker in Glasgow.
Armstrong was left on the substitutes’ bench against Hearts in Celtic’s opening Scottish Premiership encounter, but did score against Kilmarnock in the Betfred Cup on Tuesday night.
This Is Futbol considers if a move would be beneficial for Ronald Koeman’s side and whether a deal is likely to be struck between the Toffees and Celtic.
Good move for Everton?
Armstrong was in the form of his life last season, scoring a huge 17 goals and adding another seven assists from midfield in 47 league and cup encounters.
It saw Celtic’s number 14 earn his first Scotland caps, as he shone in the Hoops’ treble-winning season that also saw Brendan Rodgers side fight bravely in the group stages of the Champions League.
There is no doubt that Armstrong would impress down south in the Premier League and at £3million, he would come as a bargain compared to some of Everton’s other summer recruits.
However, the Toffees have an abundance of central midfield talent already in the likes of Tom Davies, Idrissa Gueye, Davy Klaassen, Morgan Schneiderlin, Gareth Barry, Ross Barkley. Signing Armstrong would be a good move, but it is not needed.
This Is Futbol rating: 5/10.
Likely to happen?
Of the three teams currently interested in Armstrong, Everton probably offer the most exciting move due to their participation in the Europa League.
With just one season left on his contract, Celtic may be forced into selling him now rather than holding onto him for the 2017-18 season and losing him on a free at the end of the season.
A move away from Parkhead this summer then seems increasingly likely with the report stating that a deal for a new contract is nowhere near completion.
However, Armstrong may be concerned that he might not be given a huge amount of first-team football at Goodison Park with the number of central midfielders available to Koeman, which would provide the only stumbling block.
This Is Futbol rating: 8/10.