Motherwell are said to have named their asking price to sell a player Celtic are reportedly interested in this summer. The Bhoys are yet to make a move in the summer transfer window, but that is expected to change in the near future.
Martin O'Neill has plenty of needs to address in this window, and there will likely be further needs as the window goes on due to likely departures. Arne Engels, Daizen Maeda and others could leave the club, leaving significant gaps in the starting XI.
Celtic linked with Motherwell star Watt
The most recent rumours suggest Celtic like the look of Motherwell's World Cup star Elijah Just, but the winger is not the only one attracting Hoops interest.
Defensive midfielder Elliot Watt is said to be of interest, and not just to Celtic, with Turkish club Samsunspor already reportedly submitting an offer this summer.
Motherwell have rejected the offer, according to reports, demanding big fees to sell their key players this summer. Rangers and Cardiff City have also been linked with Watt, but it is Samsunspor who are currently pushing the hardest.
According to Daily Record, Motherwell want at least £3million to sell this summer, although they could consider a cheaper deal with the right payment structure, which likely means more money upfront and potential add-ons.
That is an affordable fee for Celtic, especially with more than £20million likely to come into the club for Engels alone this summer, but whether O'Neill wants to push ahead to sign the 26-year-old Motherwell star is another question.
Watt is under contract for another year, plus Motherwell can extend the deal by a further year, an option which will allow them to stand firm by their asking price this summer.
Watt a 'leader'
Watt impressed with Motherwell last season, and after he won Premiership Player of the Month in December, his then manager, Jens Berthel Askou, said: "He's grown into a highly respected leader within the group, always driving our performance levels to the highest standards."
That leadership will be attractive to Celtic as Callum McGregor edges towards the end of his career. But beyond his leadership, Watt has established a reputation as a strong carrier of the ball and a very intelligent passer, which will come in handy for any club.
It will be interesting to see if Samsunspor now press ahead in a bid to wrap up a deal, and indeed whether other clubs further their interest now that a price has been named.
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