St Mirren chief executive Tony Fitzpatrick has insisted that Lewis Morgan returning on loan must be part of the deal if Celtic want to make a move happen.
The Record reports that the Hoops are closing in on a £300,000 deal for the 21-year-old, who has been exceptional in the Scottish Championship this season – scoring nine times and providing three assists for the league leaders.
The move is set to see the youngster return to his current side for the rest of the season, but the Record adds that there had been suggestions that Celtic’s injury issues may actually lead to Morgan remaining with Brendan Rodgers’ squad from the moment he signs.
However, chief executive Fitzpatrick has insisted that Morgan returning temporarily is a deal-breaker for the second tier side as they look to capitalise on their current position and secure promotion to the Scottish Premiership.
“That is a non-negotiable part of any deal with any club.”
Given Morgan’s potential, it would hardly be a surprise if the Hoops were willing to allow the starlet to stay where he is for the rest of the campaign to ensure that they are the ones who bag his signature this month.
Rodgers may have wanted to use him this season, but not having him available should not hurt the team’s fortunes too much – even with their current injury problems – and may actually help his development as there is no question that staying with St Mirren on loan should see the winger enjoy regular first-team football heading into what appears set to be his first pre-season as a Celtic player.
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