Mark McKenzie is “ready” to leave Philadelphia Union in the New Year but it is not a given that the USA international will join Celtic, the MLS side’s sporting director Ernst Tanner told Sky Sports.
The Hoops have been heavily linked with one of America’s rising stars since the middle of the summer, with Philadelphia Union’s official website even confirming the Hoops’ interest in the £1 million-rated central defender.
But who could blame McKenzie if he had a few reservations about swapping the Subaru Park for Parkhead?
Celtic are in the midst of a meltdown; out of the Europa League and miles behind Rangers in the Premiership title race with the atmosphere quickly turning toxic on the green half of Glasgow.
According to Tanner, McKenzie also has offers on the table from clubs in England and Germany. If this classy, ball-playing centre-half wants to be eased into life in European football, then a Celtic side leaping from crisis to catastrophe on a bi-weekly basis doesn’t exactly feel like the ideal destination.
“It’s not necessarily going to be Celtic. There is a German league club and other European leagues going for that player. Some of the Premier League clubs are also observing him,” Tanner explained.
“We don’t have any sort of pressure on him and he also doesn’t need to force a transfer. He’s a good player and plays in a competitive league.
“There is nothing on the table for him but I know there a lot of rumours out and we are certainly following that. There are some loose discussions at this moment but nothing concrete.
“Mark has certainly really stepped up over the course of the season and he is ready to go. But he could also stay here for another year or half-year.”
Celtic have won just two of their last 12 games in all competitions, conceding 28 goals along the way.
No wonder Neil Lennon wants a new central defender.
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