Celtic are pushing to sign Hibernian’s John McGinn.
Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers has told the Daily Record that he feels a deal for Hibernian’s John McGinn will be ‘difficult’ after two rejected bids.
The Bhoys have completed two permanent moves this summer having landed loanees Scott Bain and Odsonne Edouard on a full-time basis, but now the attention will turn elsewhere.
Having sold midfielder Stuart Armstrong to Southampton, Celtic are in the market for another midfielder, and their top target is hardly a secret at this stage.
Hibernian star John McGinn has been praised by Celtic manager Rodgers in the past, with many believing that he could be the heir to Scott Brown in the heart of Celtic’s midfield.
With his contract at Easter Road expiring next summer, McGinn could be on the move this summer before Hibs risk losing him for nothing, and that has sprung Celtic into life.
Celtic had one bid of £1.5million rejected for McGinn earlier this month, and returned with a £2million bid this week, only to see that snubbed too – and the Daily Record report that the Bhoys are now prepared to bide their time.
Having sold Armstrong – who was in a similar contractual situation to McGinn – for more than three times that amount, it’s no surprise that Hibs are playing hardball over their star midfielder.
Now, Rodgers has told the Daily Record that he is ‘distant’ from the talks, but thinks that a deal will prove to be difficult as the two teams are far away from an agreement.
“I am distant from that, so time will tell,” said Rodgers. “That’s something for the clubs to organise. I coach the team, I manage the team. We target players but ultimately any agreements have to be between the two clubs.”
“We respect John is still very much a Hibs player and unless there’s an agreement… like I say, it’s going to be a difficult one. That’s really between the clubs,” he added.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
