Celtic have been told to make loan move permanent

It’ll be a long way ahead before anything gets settled one way or the other. But with an Frank McAvennie has called for Celtic to sign the loan Bhoy permanently.

Loan deals can be short and sweet, get extended or can turn into permanent signings if everything works out well and falls into place. When Diego Laxalt signed on loan for Celtic from AC Milan right at the end of the summer transfer window, there was a failed attempt to include an option to buy in the agreement.

That doesn’t mean there couldn’t be a deal struck before the loan arrangement expires. Laxalt started very well in a struggling Celtic side, but did suffer under some of the pressure. He still probably edges Greg Taylor for the left back starting position and would be a useful asset to retain.

Should Celtic make this a priority though? Well, Frank McAvennie has told Football Insider that they should:

"“I think it would be a smart move to sign him permanently.“He is definitely a better defender than Taylor.”"

McAvennie talked about the need for Laxalt, Taylor and Frimpong to all work on their final ball and crosses into the penalty area as improvements. But was still very much advocating for the Hoops to sign Laxalt on a cut price deal.

The actual costs, wages and any transfer fee are all critical in whether it can actually happen or not. It’s only a few days since AC Milan indicated a deal could be struck for around £7 million. That’s quite hefty for the Hoops, but by no means impossible. And with the Italian side keen to sell, a lower price may very well be negotiated.

Also critical is the desire to stay at the club or look elsewhere for other opportunities, perhaps at higher wages. The Glasgow Times have reported on news from Sky Sports in Italy where there has been news of Laxalt receiving an offer from the Middle East.

Apparently Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal have approached the player with a 3-year deal worth around €3 million per year. But the Uruguayan has rejected the lucrative offer and as the report states, he has indicated a preference to play in Europe rather than the Middle East and still wants to remain at Celtic if he can:

"“The club has offered the player a three-year contract for almost 3 million euros per season, while waiting to speak with Milan. But the boy refused because he wants to continue playing in Europe.“In fact, his priority remains Celtic, where he is playing continuously and is highly appreciated by the current technical staff.”"

As mentioned above, there is still a long way to go in what has been a tumultuous season for Celtic. Whether any significant deals are going to be struck in the January transfer window remains to be seen and may well be influenced by decisions regarding Neil Lennon’s future.

While this will all fit into the usual category of transfer window rumour and conjecture, it’s reassuring to know that the Hoops remain a desirable team for potential quality signings despite hefty wage offers from elsewhere.