Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers is in the market for another in the Stoke City player’s position this summer.
Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers
Brendan Rodgers admitted recently that a new central midfielder is high on his list of Celtic transfer targets this summer.
“We’re covered well in a lot of positions, but I’ve always wanted another midfielder,” the Bhoys boss told the Daily Record in March.
“It has to be someone of real quality, someone who can make a difference. I believe that we need a midfield player who can make a pass and make a difference in the Champions League.”
So should Stoke City’s Glenn Whelan come under consideration – seven years after he was listed as a Parkhead target by the Irish Herald?
Stoke City midfielder Glenn Whelan [left]
Why Whelan?
While he’s not getting any younger at 33, Whelan has remained a Premier League regular at Stoke and is a key player for the Republic of Ireland. Such experience would surely come in handy in Europe next term, while his passing ability – he recorded an 84.5 per cent success rate this past league campaign – and leadership qualities should tick more boxes for Rodgers.
Is he available?
Apparently so. Darren Fletcher’s recent arrival is said to have rendered Whelan surplus to requirements, with Stoke reportedly seeking £1 million to part with the Dubliner – a fee which Celtic could surely afford.
New Stoke City signing Darren Fletcher
The Bhoys would likely face competition, however, with Aston Villa thought to have had a £500,000 bid turned down already.
What impact could his arrival have on other Celtic players?
Scott Brown, Stuart Armstrong, Callum McGregor and even Eboue Kouassi are unlikely to be affected, with each possessing different strengths to Whelan. However, the Stoke player’s arrival would perhaps push the likes of Nir Bitton and Liam Henderson closer to the Parkhead exit door – a prospect which would cause few sleepless nights.
Should Celtic enter the race for Stoke City midfielder Glenn Whelan?
Republic of Ireland midfielder Glenn Whelan [right]
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