Celtic have hit problems in their pursuit of David Turnbull.
According to The Scottish Sun, Motherwell midfielder David Turnbull was looking for a £20,000-a-week contract at Celtic – more than what some of their first-team stars are earning.
Turnbull, 19, enjoyed a superb season with Motherwell, hitting 16 goals from midfield as he became another of their homegrown stars.
Just like Rangers-bound Jake Hastie though, it seemed like Turnbull would be joining a Glasgow giant, with Celtic agreeing a £3million deal on Wednesday.
However, the move hit the rocks on Friday, with Celtic putting out a statement claiming they’d made Turnbull a ‘fantastic’ offer, but no agreement could be found.
Celtic’s offer isn’t off the table yet, and Turnbull could still move to Parkhead, but claims are now emerging over just what the midfielder wanted to join the club.
It’s believed that Turnbull was looking for a deal of around £20,000-a-week to join the Bhoys, which is more than many of Celtic’s treble winners are earning.
Celtic won’t want to miss out on Turnbull having missed out on McGinn last summer, but it’s hard to disagree with their stance here. If some the treble-winning squad aren’t even earning that, then breaking their wage structure to sign a teenager – as talented as he is – would be ill-advised.
It would not only send out the wrong message to Celtic’s future transfer targets, but also to the current squad, who may begin to question just why their earnings wouldn’t be at the same level.
Celtic are still in the mix for Turnbull, and are right to stick to their guns. They have plenty to offer the youngster, and whilst he may be concerned about playing time at Parkhead, Celtic shouldn’t compensate for that with extra cash.
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