OPINION
After years of complete domination over the rest of Scotland, Celtic’s focus this summer would have been on building a squad who can compete on the European stage after simply making up the numbers in the Champions League.
However, one new addition, albeit the record breaking arrival of Odsonne Edouard, is not enough to truly take the Hoops to the next level, and much more is needed if Brendan Rodgers and his men are to be seen as a competitor rather than the underdogs.
One man who has been heavily linked with a move to Parkhead has been Hibernian’s John McGinn, with Sky Sports having claimed that they saw a £2million bid rejected by their league rivals.
It appears as though they have retained their interest heading into August, but it could well be that they have let their grip slip and allowed Championship side Aston Villa to steal a march on the midfielder.
As quoted by TEAMtalk, Hibs boss Neil Lennon has confirmed that the Villans are closing in on his capture, but that Celtic have made a last-ditch attempt to try and secure his signature, matching the English side’s bid.
Leaving it so late appears to have backfired for the Bhoys though, with Lennon stating to TEAMtalk: “I think he is having a medical there (Villa). A fee has been agreed. I don’t know if personal terms have been agreed yet.
“I think Celtic have matched the offer but I think Villa are in the driving position at the minute.
“They are leaving it very late because I think the process is well down the line, certainly with Aston Villa and Steve Bruce.”
After all their work earlier in summer in identifying him as a target and even making an official move for him, letting him slip so late on will be massively disappointing, but they can have no one to blame but themselves with this transfer blunder.
He could have been a crucial member of the side, but looking set for Villa, Rodgers and his men will have to see just what he has to offer in England instead.
Not the club’s proudest moment.