Ramon Vega has told The Scottish Sun that Celtic must ‘absolutely’ keep Cameron Carter-Vickers as the Tottenham loanee could ‘get even better’ following a permanent transfer.
Ange Postecoglou lured the American to Glasgow on a season-long loan last year to bolster his backline at Parkhead. The 24-year-old has spent the last five seasons of his career away from north London across seven temporary spells, and has played just five times for Spurs.
He is still to debut in the Premier League, too, and will enter the last year of his contract in June. But Celtic could face strong competition for a deal with Tottenham should the Hoops look to turn Carter-Vickers’ successful season on loan into a permanent summer transfer.
Reports by SBI Soccer in March noted Spurs value the centre-half at £6m, but add-ons may take the asking price over £10m. Leicester City and Wolves are also now keen to offer him a chance in the English top-flight. Also, Watford and Bournemouth have spoken to Spurs.
The Cherries are exploring his situation as they eye a return to the Premier League, sitting second in the Championship. The Hornets, meanwhile, face a term in the second-tier next season as they sit 18th in the top-flight table. So, they could be last in a race for his move.
Celtic will hope they sit at the front of any queue for a transfer with Tottenham as Carter-Vickers has enjoyed a successful spell in Glasgow so far. His 38 appearances at Parkhead in all competitions are the most the eight-cap USMNT star has ever made with a single club.
Ramon Vega feels Celtic must ‘absolutely’ keep Tottenham loanee Carter-Vickers
In another boost for Celtic, Dean Jones claims Carter-Vickers is ‘very keen’ on completing a permanent transfer from Tottenham to Parkhead. He believes he can be a part of the long-term project Postecoglou’s started after starting all but four possible games while on loan.
Spurs’ demands – plus a potential bidding war strengthening their stance – could prove a major hurdle come the off-season, though. Yet Vega will have no issue with Celtic paying over the odds to ensure Carter-Vickers stays with a permanent transfer from Tottenham.
“Cameron is a brilliant defender and I have no doubt he should stay at Celtic,” Vega said. “Should they sign him permanently? Absolutely. People are talking about £10m, but Celtic should pay that to keep him.
“Are Celtic prepared to do that? He is a top player and even if they have to pay a little bit over the odds for him, then I think they should. He’s a massive asset to the club already. But I think if he was there permanently, he could get even better.”
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