Wayne Rooney’s past comments about Celtic target emerge

Celtic are expected to strengthen their squad in a few positions this summer, with one of them being the wings. Mikey Johnston and Karamoko Dembele could both potentially be on their way out of Parkhead soon. On the other hand, while James Forrest was handed a new deal recently, his form and fitness have been questionable at best over the past couple of seasons.

Thus, do not be surprised to see the club try to make an addition on the flank this summer and they appear to have the Derby County captain in their sights.

Celtic are one of the sides rumoured to be keeping tabs on the situation of Tom Lawrence. His current deal with the club runs out in the summer and with them being relegated to League One, he looks set to be on his way out.

Amidst all this, Wayne Rooney’s past comments about Lawrence have emerged. As reported by 67 Hail Hail, speaking earlier in the season, the Manchester United legend told Derby County:

"Tom has been excellent and he really has led by example on the pitch.“I know some people may have looked at the decision I made in the summer, when I made him captain, and thought it was a bit controversial – but I knew it was in Tom.“I have known him for a long time, since he was a young lad at Manchester United, and I know how to get the best out of him.“I think we are seeing his quality from an attacking point of view, but what sometimes goes unnoticed is the work rate and effort he is putting in during every game.”"

Rooney’s past comments about Celtic transfer target have emerged

Rooney has done a commendable job as the manager of Derby County but failed to keep them up in the Championship.

Lawrence is someone that he has known for years now, as he came through the youth ranks at Manchester United but did not manage to make a mark on the first-team picture at Old Trafford.

Lawrence has been excellent in recent times for Derby County though and has also represented the Wales national team. Thus, if Celtic are able to sign someone like him on a free transfer, it would potentially be an excellent move on their part.

There is heavy interest in his signature down South from both the Premier League and the Championship, which would make things tougher for Celtic. Even the Rangers are believed to be interested but considering their recent record with Welsh internationals, they probably should think twice.