Celtic have been handed a transfer dilemma after learning an asking price for one of their reported summer targets. The Bhoys are hoping to strengthen in a number of areas this summer, and the attack needs particular attention.
Martin O'Neill knows he needs a couple of strikers and a winger as a minimum, and we have already seen a host of potential targets linked with a Parkhead switch at this early stage of the summer.
One of them is Borussia Dortmund talent Cole Campbell, who could find himself a new club this summer after a loan spell away from Signal Iduna Park during the season just gone.
Price point will give Celtic a dilemma
Journalist Mark Hendry has now reported that Dortmund want £6million to sell the 20-year-old American they still have hopes for. That's despite Campbell having struggled on loan with Hoffenheim last season, making only six senior Bundesliga appearances.
Hoffenheim actually had the opportunity to sign the young winger permanently but decided to allow him to return to Dortmund. A permanent move could now take the Texan elsewhere, and Celtic have been linked.
But at that price, Celtic would have to know they are buying a player who can be an instant starter rather than a youth gamble with the hope the player some day develops into a starter.
The Bhoys simply aren't in a position to be signing £6million youth players for the future. Campbell may not be that at Premiership level, given the Bundesliga is a significant step up, but determining that will be the tricky part for the Celtic scouting staff.
Having said that, there is surely room to force Dortmund down a little in their asking price giv,en Campbell's struggles last season. A deal could also be done with add-ons or a sell-on clause to soften the stance of the German giants this summer.
If Dortmund are willing to sell, then it's unlikely they will fight to keep him or maximise the money they bring in if they are presented with a solid offer this summer.
But for Celtic, even if they can get a £1million it would be an expensive deal, at least for an unproven player at senior level. A loan deal may be more realistic, but it's unclear whether Dortmund will consider another one for the coming season, at least without the promise of a future purchase. Still, it's one to keep an eye on.
Add us as a preferred source on Google