Celtic manager Ange Postecoglou may look to alternative targets instead of Chelsea midfielder Ross Barkley this summer.
That is according to journalist Pete O’Rourke, who was speaking to This is Futbol about the Scottish champions’ potential transfer business heading into the final few weeks of the window.
According to Simon Phillips, Barkley has received an offer from Celtic which would consist of a permanent move to Celtic Park this summer.
The same tweet also suggests that former Everton man, who has previously been dubbed a “liability” by Gregg Evans, has plenty of interest from Premier League clubs as well as Ange Postecoglou’s side, including his former employers, Brighton and Hove Albion, Newcastle United, West Ham United, and Aston Villa.
However, despite Celtic’s reported interest in Barkley, O’Rourke believes that Postecoglou may look at alternatives this summer, with the club needing a more defensive-minded midfielder rather than an attacking one.
He said: “I think they’re probably more of in need for a defensive midfielder rather than an attacking midfielder, so I have question marks over this deal. On paper, it would look good, but I think maybe Ange Postecoglou might look elsewhere.”
TIF Thoughts on O’Rourke’s comments…
We agree with O’Rourke and believe that Postecoglou might look elsewhere for a midfielder this summer, with the club wanting consistent top-level performers to help them balance a domestic and European campaign this season.
Whilst on paper, the signing of the 28-year-old may look to be a smart addition, we believe that Postecoglou will be looking elsewhere, with Barkley only having played 452 minutes of football last season according to Transfermarkt, suggesting that the 33-time England international would take a while to get back up to match sharpness.
We believe that the Scottish champions would be better off looking at younger prospects for their midfield, especially ones that won’t likely demand an extremely high wage, and therefore we think that Celtic should stay away from Barkley.