Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers has confirmed talks with the Hull City defender, who it’s claimed could have been an Everton player.
Everton were once ready to pay £12 million for Celtic target Moses Odubajo, Mark Warburton has told the Scottish Sun.
Odubajo was spotted training with Celtic in Austria this week, with Brendan Rodgers later confirming talks to sign the Hull City right-back at the end of his contract this month.
Had it not been for injuries, however – ruling the 25-year-old out of action since May 2016 – such an opportunity might never have presented itself to the Bhoys.
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According to Warburton, the former Rangers manager who brought Odubajo to Brentford, Everton failed with a bid for the player ahead of his lay-off.
And, fitness permitting, Odubajo can become the best right-back in Scotland in the eyes of his old boss.
“If he’s over his injury worries, is fit and ready again, then he can be an outstanding signing for Celtic,” said Warburton. “An on form Odubajo can be the best right-back in Scottish football by a mile. I can’t pay him a greater compliment than that.”
He added: “When he came to Brentford he was a wide right player. But we moved him to right-back, I thought he was suited to that position. Moses was outstanding. He’s the quickest player I’ve seen, but also brilliant on the ball – calm, composed and excellent with his use of it.
“He played every game and bombed forward every opportunity. One-v-one he was outstanding, he had power, pace and skill.
“Not long after I left Brentford for Rangers he joined Hull and then had a brilliant season there, culminating in a Wembley play-off final triumph over Sheffield Wednesday.
“Odubajo deserved to play in the Premier League. But then he got injured and I was upset for him. From what I believe Hull turned down £12 million from Everton for him.
“Then Moses picked up the knee injury. Just as he was approaching a return, he suffered another serious setback. I hope he’s fit again and ready to be a top player once more.
“On his game Odubajo really is the business. Off the field he is a great lad, precisely the kind a manager would want in a dressing room.”
Odubajo is likely to compete with Mikael Lustig, Cristian Gamboa and Anthony Ralston if he joins Celtic, although his ability to play in multiple positions could come in handy to Rodgers.
Would Odubajo have been a good addition for Everton?
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