Could Celtic’s hopes of landing Rangers loanee Emerson Hyndman rest on Jack Wilshere?

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Bournemouth want to sign Wilshere permanently – but this could have ramifications for Celtic-linked Hyndman.

It’s a worrying sign that Bournemouth’s best run of form in 2016/17 has come since Jack Wilshere has been hooked from the starting XI. Previously lauded for his new-found fitness, having started 19 Premier League games this season, the fact is that the 25-year-old has fallen short of perhaps overblown expectations.

In 26 appearances in the top flight, Wilshere has failed to find the back of the net and only produced two assists. Nonetheless, Bournemouth boss Eddie Howe insists that The Cherries would still jump at the chance to sign the Arsenal loanee on a permanent deal at the end of the season, The Telegraph reports – despite the fact he has not started a league game since February.

And though it’s tempting to consider an extended stay on the South Coast somewhat unlikely, you wonder whether Wilshere’s stay could have ramifications for the future of one Emerson Hyndman.

The American playmaker is understandably highly regarded by Howe, a manager renowned for his admiration for playmakers and technical midfielders.

In fact, Howe made clear to the Daily Echo that sending Hyndman on loan to Scottish Premiership giants Rangers in January was intended to give the 20-year-old the experience and confidence to make the step up at the Vitality Stadium next season, the Daily Echo reports.

However, if Arsenal do give Wilshere the chance to kick-start his career in Bournemouth colours, Hyndman’s first-team prospects will hardly have been enhanced despite impressing with his vision and precision at Ibrox.

The Daily Record report that Rangers’ Old Firm rivals Celtic have made contact with the Premier League club with the aim of taking him across Glasgow in the summer. The impending loss of Manchester City loanee Patrick Roberts means a space will open up in The Bhoys’ attack at the end of the season.

And, if Wilshere remains to force Hyndman down the pecking order once again at Bournemouth, he would perhaps be better of continuing his development under Brendan Rodgers at Celtic Park.