Celtic appear to have a lot of plans this summer. One of them has to be to strengthen their midfield department. They already have some top options in Callum McGregor, Reo Hatate, Arne Engels, Paulo Bernardo and Luke McCowan. But it does feel like the Hoops are missing a bit of steel and solidity in the middle of the park, which has prevented them from controlling games against top-level opposition.
Unsurprisingly, we have seen Celtic being linked with quite a few defensive and central midfielders in recent times. Names like Kalidou Sidibe, Elvis Rexhbecaj and several others have cropped up from time to time.
But what if the club brought in a Premier League midfield talent who is still just 25 years of age? If reports are accurate then it looks like they are in a pretty good position to do that.
As reported by 67 Hail Hail, Celtic remain at the front of the pack to sign Andy Irving from West Ham United. He is also wanted by Hearts and some English Championship teams.
Celtic in pole position to sign 25-year-old Premier League player
Irving came through the youth ranks at Hearts and played a decent bit of first-team football for them. So, if Celtic signed him, the Scottish international would not require much time to adjust to the Premiership.
He has plenty of experience outside of Scotland as well though, having played in Germany, Austria and England. But unfortunately, he is not getting enough chances at West Ham United right now and is not believed to be a part of Graham Potter's short or long-term plans.
As a result, this might be the right time for Irving to leave West Ham United in order to bring his career back on track. Celtic might be the perfect place to do that as he would get to compete for trophies and in European competitions too.