Celtic midfielder Nir Bitton should be on Aston Villa’s radar.
Celtic are ready to let midfield ace Nir Bitton leave the club this January if an offer comes in, report The Scottish Sun.
Bitton was a key player for Celtic last season but has lost his place as a regular under Brendan Rodgers.
Fulham were linked with signing him earlier this transfer window by The Express, but Championship rivals Aston Villa should look at making a move too.
Celtic’s Nir Bitton (R) in action with Ross County’s Jackson Irvine (L)
Villa’s midfield has been their weak spot this season, highlighted particularly against Cardiff City when duo Gary Gardner and Ashley Westwood combined to make only nine touches in 45 minutes.
Manager Steve Bruce has been reluctant to use Aaron Tshibola on a regular basis, and Bitton would present a different alternative.
His physical presence and gangly frame would make him well suited to the rigours of Championship football, while his international experience as a regular for Israel would also be beneficial.
Ross County’s Ian McShane (R) in action with Celtic’s Nir Bitton
Last season Bitton scored eight goals and provided six assists in helping Celtic to the league title, but has just one goal to his name this season.
Celtic’s addition of Kouassi Eboue pushes him further down the pecking order, and a transfer makes sense.
Given the success of Victor Wanyama, Fraser Forster and Virgil van Dijk who have left Celtic to play in England, Villa should consider a move for Bitton as a shrewd one, rather than a gamble.
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