Celtic are set to receive a couple of bids in the next week or two, and while one should be accepted, the other should be firmly rejected.
The Bhoys are about o get busy in the summer transfer window, and at long last, recently completing the ÂŁ11million plus add-ons signing of striker Kasper Hogh. That was their second signing of the summer, but there will be more to come, with big gaps in Martin O'Neill's squad still.
On the outgoing front, Daizen Maeda has been sold to Ipswich Town for ÂŁ10million, but there will be more, with Arne Engels likely to be the most expensive. But the most likely next departure involves Reo Hatate.
Hatate expected to leave Celtic
Hatate is the subject of interest from West Ham this summer, but there is also talk of interest in France and MLS. The creative midfielder has made it pretty clear he wants out at this stage, and it seems something isn't right between him and O'Neill.
Whether that's the case or not, the Japanese international wants a new challenge, and Celtic are likely to cash in as long as they receive a decent offer, which is likely going to have to be around ÂŁ6million.
O'Neill himself has said he will allow Hatate to leave this summer for the right price, and at this stage, a stay would be a big surprise. West Ham have brought in big money this summer, well over ÂŁ100million, so they can certainly afford a deal.
Johnston approach should be met with very different response
According to The Herald, Everton are now readying a bid for Bhoys full-back Alistair Johnston after his impressive World Cup performances with Canada. Johnston missed much of last season due to a long-term injury but returned for the final phase of the Premiership campaign.
Johnston is a player Celtic cannot afford to lose this summer. He is the clear starting right-back, a consistent player and an experienced voice.
Celtic are already losing some serious talent between Maeda, Engels and Hatate, and they do not need the money. Fans certainly aren't confident of those three players being adequately replaced, so to add another important position on top of that is likely to be asking too much of this recruitment team that has poorly executed on a consistent basis.
Celtic have supported players wanting new challenges this summer, but they have to draw the line at allowing three important players to leave. Johnston should be told he must wait another year, and he can be promised a spot at the front of the queue next summer.
That's not always an easy process, and the defender will feel this is the right time after earning attention at the World Cup, but Celtic have him under a long term deal, and they must look after their best interests.
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