Potential Australian A-League side Western Melbourne are plotting a big name signing if they are successful in their application to join the top flight and have made Celtic midfielder Scott Brown one of their top targets, according to the Daily Mail.
The newspaper claim that the aspiring Aussie outfit, who will find out if they are one of the new A-League sides at the end of October, want to seal a marquee move for the veteran Parkhead hero, who is set to be out of contract at the end of the season.
It is stated that talks between the Hoops and Brown over his future at the club are underway, with the Bhoys keen on seeing him extend his stay with a view to a potential coaching role.
Good move for Celtic?
Absolutely not, and not just because there would be thousands of broken hearts at Parkhead were he to leave.
Brown is Mr Celtic, bringing his energy and enthusiasm onto the pitch to embody what it means to be part of the club.
He is a fighter and despite being on the wrong side of 30, still has the legs to put in quality performances week in, week out.
Losing him would be a major blow to Brendan Rodgers and his side, for finding a replacement within their budget would prove a near impossibility, and it is easy to see why the club are keen on keeping him on board for the near future.
This is Futbol rating: 3/10
Likely to happen?
We do not even know if Western Melbourne will be formed as a club yet, so there is still much doubt over this move.
The only way Brown is going to go down under is if the Hoops choose not to offer him a deal and he sees his playing time slashed in the next couple of months.
Then, and only then, will he consider his future somewhere other than Celtic – otherwise, he is set to stay for the long-term, even potentially past the time when he hangs up his boots.
This is Futbol rating: 3/10