Celtic are reportedly set to make their move for Nick Powell in January.
According to The Sun, Celtic are preparing a move for Wigan Athletic’s Nick Powell in 2019, but face a battle with Brighton and Hove Albion.
The Bhoys endured a tricky summer transfer window, as Brendan Rodgers missed out on some top targets, and then saw star striker Moussa Dembele leave for Lyon.
Celtic will still be favourites to win the Scottish Premiership again, but it’s imperative that Rodgers is backed with signings in 2019, or the Bhoys will risk losing him to a Premier League club.
Now, The Sun report that Rodgers wants to bring in Wigan Athletic playmaker Nick Powell in 2019, and Celtic are preparing a ‘lucrative offer’ to try and lure him to Glasgow.
It’s claimed that Brighton and Hove Albion are also keen to land Powell, meaning a battle could ensue between the two clubs, and Celtic will hope that offering European football can swing the battle in their favour.
With Powell out of contract at the end of the season, Celtic will be eyeing a bargain. Either they can land him in a cut-price deal in January as Wigan won’t want to lose him for free, or Celtic can hand him a pre-contract agreement to secure his signature for next season without spending a penny.
Cutting back on the fee will free up funds for the contract offer, and Rodgers is allegedly keen on either method as he bids to bring Powell to Parkhead next year.
Powell, 24, made his name with Crewe Alexandra, earning a 2012 move to Manchester United, but he struggled to make an impact with the Red Devils, and moved on to Wigan in 2016.
Powell hit 15 goals in all competitions last season and already has three goals and three assists in seven Championship games this season, with Rodgers seemingly impressed with the attacking midfielder’s output for the Latics.
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