Championshio duo Nottingham Forest and Middlesbrough appear to have moved ahead of Celtic in the race to sign Hibs play-maker John McGinn.
Celtic have gone about their business quietly and efficiently this month.
The Scottish Premiership champions beat off a whole host of competition to sign Lewis Morgan from St Mirren, one of the most exciting youngsters in Scottish football. And Brendan Rodgers has also added some much needed experience to his back line with the addition of Marvin Compper from RB Leipzig.
But the Daily Record (live blog, 9.57am) states that Celtic are not finished there. Rodgers still wants a midfield play-maker at Parkhead, and it appears that Chelsea’s Lewis Baker, currently on loan at Middlesbrough, is now the club’s top target while Charly Musonda is still on the club’s radar.
And, as a result, any deal for Hibernian talisman John McGinn appears to have fallen by the wayside.
Celtic have been heavily tipped to sign the 22-year-old for a number of months with Rodgers seeing McGinn as the ideal replacement for the ageing captain Scott Brown at the heart of his Celtic midfield, as reported by the Express.
But Hibs boss Neil Lennon has barely missed an opportunity to point out that McGinn is valued at over £5 million, via STV; meaning Celtic may be forced to shatter their transfer record to bring the Scotland international to Parkhead.
In fact, that fee seems a little rich.
With the Yorkshire Post stating that Middlesbrough are keen on McGinn, and Nottingham Forest are set to renew their interest after seeing three bids snubbed in the summer, it is telling that Celtic appear to be conspicuous by their absence.
It looks like Hibs have succeeded in pricing Celtic out. It remains to be seen, however, whether Championship duo Middlesbrough or Forest are willing to play ball.
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