West Bromwich Albion have been linked with Celtic playmaker Stuart Armstrong.
Rangers’ Emerson Hyndman in action with Celtic’s Stuart Armstrong
Celtic assistant boss Chris Davies has told Sky Sports that he isn’t surprised by speculation linking midfielder Stuart Armstrong with a move to West Bromwich Albion.
Armstrong, 25, was a key signing for Ronny Deila in February 2015, luring him away from Scottish rivals Dundee United after 21 goals in 149 games for the Terrors.
The midfielder was touted as a star of the future in Scottish football, but after just six goals in 56 games under Deila, Armstrong appeared to be stagnating at Celtic Park.
However, the arrival of Brendan Rodgers as Deila’s replacement has changed Armstrong’s career, as he has racked up 15 goals in 45 games this season, whilst also notching seven assists in league action.
Now playing at his best, Armstrong is starting to attract interest ahead of the summer transfer window. The Daily Star recently claimed that Everton were looking at him as a possible target, whilst The Express report that West Brom are also keen.
Rangers’ Jason Holt in action with Celtic’s Stuart Armstrong
Armstrong still has two years left on his Celtic contract, but the Bhoys will hope to get him tied down to a new deal in order to completely secure his future with the club.
Earlier today, Rodgers’ assistant Chris Davies was asked about the rumours, and he suggested to Sky Sports that the Premier League links for Armstrong are a positive, as it shows just how well Celtic and Armstrong are performing.
General view of fans outside The Hawthorns
Davies noted that Armstrong wants to stay with Celtic, and the Bhoys don’t want to lose their best players, but acknowledged that speculation is bound to arise after such an impressive season for the midfielder.
“One of the consequences of what we’re achieving and what we’re doing is that people do get linked with other clubs, and there is speculation,” said Davies. “That’s a positive, it means you’re doing something good, but that’s all it is – speculation. Stuart is someone who has said himself that he wants to stay, and we want to keep our best players here.”
“We’re building and developing a team and individual players, and we’re really looking forward to that. We love working with Stu, as we have done with all the other players. We certainly don’t want to lose our best players, but there will be speculation,” he added.
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