Celtic would have to pay a big fee if they want to sign John McGinn from Scottish Premiership rivals Hibernian.
Neil Lennon does not miss a chance to talk up the value of his Hibernian midfielder John McGinn.
The Northern Irishman spent the summer telling everyone who would listen that the 22-year-old Scotland international would not be sold for less than £5 million amid reported interest from the likes of Celtic, Nottingham Forest and Ipswich Town.
And, after McGinn’s stunning 25-yard strike set Hibs on their way to a 2-1 win at Rangers on Saturday, Lennon believes that he has added another £1 million to his price-tag, as reported by STV.
Just for the mathematicians out there, that would mean Hibs are demanding about £6 million for their star man, forcing Celtic to equal their transfer record for a player who has been tipped to replace Scott Brown for club and country.
But for all McGinn’s talents, are their better ways for Celtic to spend their money? Central midfield is one of the strongest areas in Brendan Rodgers’ squad and, with their defence, centre-back, left-back and centre-forward positions seemingly in need of reinforcement, they could look to spend their summer budget on other areas of the squad.
Then again, while Celtic’s midfield has looked good on paper, the reality has been a little different. Kouassi Eboue and Kundai Benyu have struggled, Olivier Ntcham has flattered to deceive at times while the form of Stuart Armstrong is a big worry.
Last season’s 17-goal talisman has been a shadow of his former self since that summer contract wrangle and has just five strikes in 35 games to his name across 2017//18. On this form, Celtic might need a replacement and the dynamic and forceful McGinn could be exactly that.
As reported by the Sunday Post, Southampton are keen on the £10 million-rated midfielder and, regardless of whether he stays or goes, Armstrong’s decline should have Celtic willing to pay big money for McGinn.
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