Celtic are set to battle Rangers for the signature of the Championship winger once considered one of the hottest prospects in England.
Multiple sources have linked Celtic with a swoop for Stoke City winger Tom Ince. Currently out of the picture at the Potters, the 28-year-old is rumoured to be eyeing a new beginning and Parkhead could be the right environment for him to reignite his career.
With the transfer window slamming shut in around a weeks’ time, Ince could represent a versatile offensive option for the Hoops. Comfortable on the wing and in the attacking midfield berth, he could provide added depth whether from the start or from the substitutes bench.
More importantly however, the former England U21 international would bring distinctive qualities to Neil Lennon’s squad. Adept at taking on his marker and cutting inside onto his favoured left foot, Ince would potentially offer a slightly different threat against relevant opposition.
He favours playing off the right-hand side, which would give balance to the Celtics choices on the right due to current right-sided James Forrest and Jeremie Frimpong favouring to utilise their right foot when taking on the full-back.
Additionally, Ince being used in centre-attacking midfield could lead to Olivier Ntcham playing additional minutes in his preferred deep-lying playmaker role. Instinctively, Stockport-born Ince has featured throughout his career in England as creator in chief and earned himself a £12 million move to Stoke due to his impressive creative performances.
This in turn would enable Ntcham to essentially play in his natural position every week instead of splitting his time between roles, which would benefit Celtic enormously due to the control the Frenchman can exert over games with his ball retention and technical prowess.
Celtic will need to move quickly to secure the player, as arch-rivals Rangers have also been alleged onlookers in the quest for his services according to The Boot Room. Neil Lennon could do a lot worse if he is looking to add to his squad before the transfer window draws to a close.