If Celtic were to agree to sell Victor Wanyama, could they push to bring in Manchester United midfielder Darren Fletcher?
Darren Fletcher began his slow recovery from a long suffering chronic bowel disorder this week, as it was revealed he is back in light training.
He has not played competitive football since November, and is not expected to play a part in the first part of Manchester United’s season.
Indeed it is doubtful whether United will include him in their 25-man squad for the Premier League. If Sir Alex Ferguson deems it a gamble to select him, there is every chance he will hand the spot to another player, or even bring in a new signing.
One such player linked with a move to strengthen Manchester United’s midfield is Victor Wanyama, the 21-year-old Kenyan powerhouse who is forging an excellent reputation for himself.
United were said to have had scouts watching him last week, along with Arsenal, with Manchester City linked a fortnight earlier.
Celtic will be reluctant to lose him, but with their Champions League qualifier against HJK Helsinki hanging in the balance, they may have to consider their options from a financial point of view if they are unsuccessful in progressing.
Should United make a £7 million bid, the Old Firm club will be bound to consider it, especially with the economic future of Scottish football having a cloud over it at present thanks to the actions and punishment of their bitter rivals Rangers.
Of course if Wanyama did sign for Manchester United, it would limit Darren Fletcher’s chances of a comeback this season further, but right now he appears to be so far off the required pace that the club need to make a contingency plan.
So loaning Fletcher out to Celtic as part of the deal would make perfect sense. He could carry on his recovery from illness under less pressure, and in his native Scotland.
Celtic may want closer to £10 million for Wanyama, but throw in Fletcher for a season and a compromise could be found.
Importantly Fletcher is a Celtic fan, so there are no partisan problems for he or their supporters to overcome. The question is, will Sir Alex Ferguson, a man with strong Rangers connections do their Old Firm rivals a favour?
That remains to be seen, but it would be in Darren Fletcher’s favour, and if he could have a rebuilding season at Celtic, he could return in 2013-14 refreshed and ready to hit his previous heights once more.
United of course would have one of Africa’s most coveted talents in their side, and it is a deal all those concerned should take a close look at before the transfer window closes.
Would a Wanyama-Fletcher part-exchange work from your point of view?
image: © apasciuto
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