Former Celtic star Alan Rough has backed the Hoops to move for free agent Yaya Toure as he expects phone calls between the midfielder and brother Kolo at Parkhead.
The 35-year-old Ivorian is without a club after leaving Turkish outfit Olympiacos in December and rumours have been circulating over the 97-cap international reuniting with his brother, who is a coach under Brendan Rodgers.
Speaking of a potential move, Rough said there must surely be phone calls taking place between the Toure duo and believes Rodgers could get the former Manchester City star under his employ.
He told PLZ Soccer: “I think it all depends on his relationship with the Toure that’s there.
“I think he’ll obviously be on the phone chatting. He’ll be asking him about the place and club, he’ll be telling him about European football. And then he’ll have to assess where he wants to be. When I listened to him, I don’t think he was too convinced about going back to the English Premier League.
“I got the feeling, ‘I’ve done it, I want to move on and do something else’. I think they might have a chance.”
Opinion
Celtic might look pretty well equipped when it comes to the amount of midfielders already on their books but imagine someone of Toure – Yaya, not Kolo – in Scotland. The Ivorian has a power and quality that far outranks that of the division and would likely steamroller the Hoops’ rivals if he were to make a switch to Parkhead. He might not be the cheapest deal when it comes to a contract but the brotherly connection in Glasgow might help the Bhoys seal a cheaper deal than other sides might be expected to pay. With a title race firmly on their hands in Glasgow, Rangers looking dangerous this season, having someone like the 35-year-old to impose himself in the middle of the park would boost their hopes of glory no end. Can Rodgers get this deal over the line? That remains to be seen, but Rough obviously feels that there is something that can be done between the two parties.