Celtic have now received a reply after submitting an offer worth a total of £2.25m for a Premier League midfielder, according to a new transfer update that has emerged.
Rodgers in positive spirits at Celtic
The Hoops couldn’t have asked for a more ideal start to the season, winning their opening two Scottish Premiership matches, topping the table immediately.
Celtic won 2-0 at Aberdeen on Saturday, and speaking after the game, manager Brendan Rodgers couldn’t hide his happiness at both the performance and result.
“It was a really good performance. We controlled the game and dominated it. We had two outstanding goals and had other opportunities to make it even more comfortable, and their keeper also made some really good saves. Then, when we had to defend, we were really strong – our two centre-halves, and then even Auston coming into the game as well.
“So as a team I thought we were excellent, and then the context of the game – obviously it’s early in the season and playing Aberdeen in the first competitive game after the Scottish Cup and them beating us, we knew there was going to be something in it for them, but we played with a lot of quality and a lot of heart today, and that pleased me.’
It’s now a case of Celtic kicking on and strengthening their squad before the end of the summer transfer window, and a new update has emerged regarding one target.
Celtic recieve reply after bid submitted worth £2.25m
According to a new update from Hammers News, Celtic have seen an opening bid rejected by West Ham for midfielder Andy Irving.
The offer in question is thought to be worth £1.75m plus £500k in add-ons, with the Hammers instead demanding £3.5m for the Scotland international.
Irving, described as a ‘fan favourite’ in the report, could be an astute signing by Celtic this summer, having been lauded by West Ham manager Graham Potter for many key attributes.
“His spirit, application and training merited that start. I think the decision was clear for Andy because he’s trained really well and I think it’s important for the group to know that. I’m pleased with him.”
Despite this, Irving did only manage one Premier League start in the whole of last season, showing that he may not be considered a key part of West Ham’s plans heading into the new season.
Appearances
10
Starts
1
Minutes played
162
Goals
0
Assists
0
Pass completion rate
90%
Tackles per game
0.7
Clearances per game
0.5
Yellow cards
2
The 25-year-old could, therefore, like the idea of sealing a move to Celtic, not only in order to earn more minutes, but also to test himself in the Champions League.
With the 2026 World Cup looming next summer, the £5,000-a-week Irving will want to give himself the best chance as possible of making Scotland’s squad, assuming they qualify for the tournament.
If he stays put with the Hammers, his international hopes could suffer more compared to if he is plying his trade as a regular in his homeland.