West Ham United reportedly want Red Bull Salzburg’s Stefan Lainer in the Premier League, but Celtic need a right-back, too.
Stefan Lainer could be the latest exciting talent to graduate from the Red Bull Salzburg finishing school, following in the footsteps of Naby Keita, Sadio Mane and co.
According to the Mirror (9 December, page 68), West Ham United are lining up a January bid for the Austrian international right-back. And a very impressive tally of five assists in all competitions this season justifies his £10 million price-tag.
But, with Celtic scouring the market for a new right-back (Daily Record), could Brendan Rodgers’ side rival West Ham for Lainer’s signature?
The Hoops certainly have the ideal opportunity to watch the 26-year-old in action. Lainer’s Salzburg are due to travel to Glasgow this week for a crucial Europa League clash at Celtic after all.
Celtic could lose the experienced Mikael Lustig at the end of the season when his contract runs out, while neither Cristian Gamboa nor Tony Ralston appear to be in Rodgers’ plans as it stands.
So a new right-back is a must and, after missing out on the likes of Conner Roberts and Cristiano Piccini, Lainer looks like the sort of player who would tick a lot of boxes.
Should he impress at Parkhead, West Ham may be facing competition with the January transfer window just weeks away.
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