Everton are set to launch a January bid for Celtic defender Anthony Ralston after the teenager’s performance against Barcelona on Tuesday.
Celtic suffered the biggest home defeat in their European history, with Ralston given the unenviable task of marking Neymar.
It got rather feisty on the pitch too, with some flash points between the pair leading to the world’s most expensive player refusing to shake Ralston’s hand after the match.
Koeman was reportedly impressed with Ralston’s attitude though after he appeared unfazed and uncowed by the occasion and he is now weighing up a January bid for the young player.
West Ham are also reportedly interested but it is said that Everton scouts have been trailing the 18-year-old since the end of last season.
He is under contract with the Scottish champions until 2019.
Good move for Everton?
Anthony Ralston put more than a brave face on in Celtic’s 5-0 defeat by Barcelona at Celtic Park. He proved that he’s got one of the ingredients necessary for top players: temperament. He was completely unfazed by the occasion – a Champions League match against Barcelona, with the full force of the Celtic Park atmosphere behind him. That’s tough for anyone but Ralston performed admirably under the circumstances, and made a bit of a name for himself when he refused to be overawed by Neymar. He’s made eight appearances in total now for Celtic and is looking like he’s ready for first-team action. He’s one for the future, but someone who could be called on to put a shift in now, and that would make him a valuable proposition in the Premier League.
This Is Futbol rating: 8/10.
Likely to happen?
Brendan Rodgers won’t want to let him go but if the Premier League clubs are serious and come calling with money in January, then he might not have much choice. Ralston is under contract until 2019 so he would command a decent fee, but it might come down to Ralston. He might see his development better served under Rodgers who has proved he’s willing to let him loose on the big stage.
This Is Futbol rating: 5/10