Celtic have been handed a major transfer blow in their chase to sign West Ham United winger Robert Snodgrass on deadline day.
The Celtic transfer rumour mill came to life earlier today when reports broke out that the club were in advanced talks with West Ham United to bring Scottish winger, Robert Snodgrass, to Parkhead on a season-long loan.
With James Forrest out for some time, it is not hard to see why the club want to bring Snodgrass to fill the hole. He has a world of top level experience playing for the likes of Leeds United, Aston Villa, West Ham United, Hull City and Norwich City through the course of his career. And despite being 33 years of age, he can still cut it, having scored 5 goals and provided 5 assists in just 17 Premier League starts last season.
He is not part of David Moyes plans though and as a result, Celtic have the chance to swoop in. And with multiple sources linking him with a Parkhead switch, it had looked like the move was only a matter of time. But now it appears that things are not as easy as they appeared.
Sky Sports’ Anthony Joseph has reported that West Ham United want a permanent deal for Snodgrass and will not entertain any loan offers unless a significant loan fee is involved. It does not make much sense for Celtic to spend heavily on a 33-year-old.
UPDATE: West Ham have told Celtic they will not entertain a loan deal for Robert Snodgrass, unless there is a significant fee involved.@SkySportsNews understands the Hammers would also be open to selling the player on a permanent transfer.
— Anthony Joseph (@AnthonyRJoseph) October 4, 2020
Another problem with Snodgrass is his adjustability to this Celtic team. With 3-5-2 looking like their best formation and Jeremie Frimpong in incredible form, it will be hard for Neil Lennon to find a place for him in the starting XI with no conventional right-winger present.
As a result, while Snodgrass is worth the punt on a loan deal, it must make sense for Celtic. If West Ham decide play hard ball and hold out for significant money, the club are better off just not going for the Scot. He is a luxury buy not a necessity.