According to TEAMtalk, Celtic are planning to offer a pre-contract agreement to Crystal Palace midfielder James McCarthy.
It’s claimed that the Bhoys view McCarthy as Scott Brown’s long-term heir in the heart of the Celtic midfield, with Brown now 35.
McCarthy grew up supporting Celtic and has been spotted at Bhoys games in the past, suggesting he may well be keen on playing for the club.
McCarthy is 30 and has started just four Premier League games this season, with Celtic now keen – though Burnley and Aston Villa are also interested, whilst Palace would like to keep him.
The Irishman started out with Hamilton Academical, and a return to Scotland could be on the cards – but there’s some confusing over his contract situation.
Palace didn’t actually confirm the length of McCarthy’s contract when they signed him, and Transfermarkt have him down as being out of contract in 2022 – not 2021.
The Sun suggest that McCarthy is indeed out of contract next summer, and Palace could offer him a year-long extension to stay at Selhurst Park.
If this report is true, then McCarthy will indeed be available for free on a pre-contract agreement in January – and a move to play for his boyhood club will surely be appealing.
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