The Celtic Bhoys
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Celtic and West Ham in a bidding war

By Nick McAdam

GLASGOW, SCOTLAND - MAY 21: John McGinn of Hibernian celebrates at the final whistle as Hibernian beat Rangers 3-2 during the William Hill Scottish Cup Final between Rangers FC and Hibernian FC at Hamden Park on May 21, 2016 in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Mark Runnacles/Getty Images)
GLASGOW, SCOTLAND - MAY 21: John McGinn of Hibernian celebrates at the final whistle as Hibernian beat Rangers 3-2 during the William Hill Scottish Cup Final between Rangers FC and Hibernian FC at Hamden Park on May 21, 2016 in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Mark Runnacles/Getty Images) /
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Yes, that’s another rumored midfielder that can potentially sign with Celtic in this window.

However, it’s looking like the Bhoys will have some competition this time. Celtic are rumored to be interested in Hibernian’s John McGinn, but English Premier League side West Ham United look to have thrown their name in the hat as well.

Opposite of another rumor of interest in Lewis Morgan, McGinn features more in a central or left defensive position. The 23-year-old is a ruthless tackler, which is what is 12 yellow cards this season might go on to suggest.

McGinn has 14 goals in 117 games for Neil Lennon‘s side. He’s also registered five international caps with Team Scotland throughout the duration of his career.

Whether you like to hear it or not, Celtic skipper Scott Brown is getting up there in age, despite the fact that he continues to stabilize the middle of the park. McGinn is the perfect backup for the future of the Bhoys’ central defense.

It might be tough to compete with the Hammers however, as the EPL side have just as big, or maybe a bigger budget than the Hoops are offering.

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Hibs’ chief executive Leeann Dempster has noted that McGinn’s value will increase as a result of potential interest, making the bidding war that much more interesting. Here’s what Dempster had to say, as noted by HITC:

"“There will, of course, be a lot of speculation around John regarding other clubs being interested in him,” said Dempster. “There was an offer in the August transfer window and John has gone from strength to strength in the subsequent period. It’s inevitable that when you have good people either working for you, or playing at a club, that there is going to be interest.”“It is always about weighing up our league position and what is best for us in the short and medium-term. We don’t know what the next month will bring, we don’t have a crystal ball we might get tested. If we are tested then we will carefully consider it,” she added."

Celtic’s aging lineup needs players that can lead the squad into the future. 2018 can be the year to start looking ahead to the hopefully bright years upcoming.

Next: Is Chris Sutton right in his analysis of Scott Sinclair?

Thoughts on McGinn potentially playing for Celtic? Let us know in the comments section.