Aston Villa reportedly wanted Romaine Sawyers earlier this year.
Celtic’s search for a new attacking midfielder took a hit when David Turnbull’s move fell through, but they’ve found their new target.
The Daily Record note that the Bhoys are set to bid £2.5million for Brentford star Romaine Sawyers, which should be enough to lure him to Parkhead.
Sawyers, 27, impressed last season with six assists for the Bees, and Neil Lennon will be looking for him to bring quality and creativity to his midfield options.
Sawyers made his name in English football under Dean Smith at Walsall and then Brentford, and there were rumours earlier this year that Smith wanted a reunion at Aston Villa.
The Daily Mail reported that Villa wanted Sawyers for around £4million, but were shelving a deal until the summer, seemingly viewed as a replacement for Jack Grealish if they didn’t go up.
Villa have though won promotion back to the Premier League, and whilst Smith knows how to get the best out of Sawyers, Villa should really look elsewhere now.
Sawyers will be 28 in November, and whilst the price is very appealing, Villa may be looking for more Premier League-ready players, whilst Smith already has Grealish, John McGinn and Conor Hourihane in midfield too.
Villa should be out of the race for Sawyers at this stage, potentially leaving Celtic clear in the race to sign him in a bargain move unless Smith suddenly rekindles his interest.
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