Celtic appeared to be on the verge of signing Riley McGree – but the deal could now be under real threat from Championship side Middlesbrough.
The Daily Record reported on Monday that McGree’s move from Charlotte FC to Celtic was imminent.
Ange Postecoglou’s personal touch on the deal allegedly tempted compatriot McGree into a £3million move to Celtic.
There was no confirmation on Tuesday, and there are now fears that McGree may not join Celtic at all.
Football Scotland claim that there has been a late breakdown in talks between Celtic and McGree.
Talks have stalled and it now seems that Celtic could be missing out on the Australian playmaker’s signature.
The Daily Mail add that Middlesbrough have now made a last-ditch move to gazump Celtic for McGree.
Middlesbrough are offering £2million more for the transfer and the wages on offer are £14,000-a-week, with Boro digging deep.
This now leaves Celtic in limbo and McGree with a huge decision to make.
McGreen enjoyed his time in the Championship with Birmingham City having spent 18 months on loan there.
Boro can offer a return to England, with Chris Wilder mounting a push for promotion.
At Celtic, McGree would be able to challenge for silverware under Postecoglou, who has been a fan of him from his early days in Australia.
This isn’t an easy call for McGree, and what looked like a nailed-on Celtic transfer is now in real danger of collapsing.
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