OPINION
Celtic must pounce on signing Newcastle United midfielder Mohamed Diame as he would be a fantastic acquisition.
According to Sky Sports the 31-year-old midfielder’s current £45,000-a-week contract (Source: Spotrac) is set to expire in the summer and he could end up leaving the Magpies for free if he doesn’t trigger a clause in his current deal.
The broadcaster claimed that Diame is three starts away from automatically being handed a 12-month deal, yet it’s worth noting he has struggled to start games as of late.
In fact it seems the midfielder is aware that he may not get a new deal as he publicly revealed that he is open to an exit if an offer isn’t tabled.
“I am happy here, that’s what I can say,” said Diame, as quoted by Sky Sports.
“If I can stay I will stay, but if I have to go, I will go. It won’t be a problem.”
The 31-year-old has lost his place in Rafa Benitez’s starting line-up because while he was out injured, 21-year-old Sean Longstaff seized his opportunity to cement himself as a guaranteed starter.
This means there is at least a chance that Diame could be on the move for free in the summer and the Hoops should be ready to snap him up.
The midfielder would bring a wealth of experience to Celtic, having played 234 times in the English Premier League, and could be a vital player to call upon as a result.
Diame is a strong player who can dominate the midfield battle for his side and at times across his 24 outings this season he has looked able to run the show for the Magpies.
Celtic would benefit from a player of his nature and when you consider Diame’s age, he will no doubt be eager to jump to a club like the Hoops as it would give him an opportunity to potentially taste Champions League football.