Celtic are now said to be weighing up a £6million bid for a Premier League midfielder amid the expected £3.4million signing of Joel Ven den Berg from PSV Eindhoven. Martin O'Neill still has a major need for a holding midfielder, but it looks as though versatility will be prioritised, with Crystal Palace star Justin Devenney seen an option.
The Hoops lost Arne Engels to a £22million move to West Ham this summer, and their midfield has lost significant balance with the exit of the Belgian. Engels wasn't an out-and-out defensive midfielder, but he certainly had that side to his game while also being able to carry to ball through midfield.
Incoming new Celtic signing Van den Berg usually plays as an out-and-out midfielder, but his background is playing as an attacking midfielder, so it's unlikely he will be deployed in the Engels role.
With Mka Baur having struggled in that role, again as a more advanced player, Celtic still clearly need a holding midfielder, but the Bhoys may prioritise other needs, and Palace star Devenney could tick off more than one.
The 22-year-old can play as an all-round midfielder, as well as playing as an attacking midfielder, and he can even play wing-back.A left-footer, the left is his side of preference, and that could help Celtic, who only currently have one senior left-back.
The 12-time Northern Ireland international, who came through at Kilmarnock, is out of contract next summer, and The Herrald are reporting that Celtic are considering making a £6million bid ahead of the deadline.
The Hoops have until Wednesday at 5pm to wrap up their business, but the English deadline is on 11pm on Tuesday, which could present some challenges. The UEFA squad deadline is also the same time, so Celtic may effectively work to that deadline, given they will be reluctant to sign players who cannot represent them in Europe. Devanney has experience in Europe, too, recently winning the Conference League with Palace.
Devanney could be a pricey signing, especially given his contract situation, but he is only 22 years of age, and his ability to play in a number of positions could be invaluable. He is also a young player with experienced of Scottish football, which will allow him to slot in quickly.
That's something O'Neill is also likely to value, given all of his signings this summer, including the incoming Van den Berg, have not previously played in the country. That is not always an issue, of course, but it helps to sign someone who is already accustomed to the style of football in the league.
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