‘There’s real offers’: Manager won’t stop Celtic linked duo leaving this summer

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Philadelphia Union coach Jim Curtin is convinced that Celtic linked duo Mark McKenzie and Brenden Aaronson are ‘ready’ to make the move to Europe, while speaking to Fox Sports.

With the Scottish Premiership champions closing in on a deal for West Ham United striker Albian Ajeti, they will now turn their attention to two other areas of Neil Lennon’s title-winning squad.

Defensive reinforcements are a must regardless of whether Kristoffer Ajer swaps Glasgow for Milan and McKenzie, a £1 million-rated ‘Rolls Royce’ of a centre-half, ticks a lot of boxes.

The USA international is not only a superb defender with an impressive burst of pace, he also boasts the technical ability and passing range to thrive in a Celtic side who have averaged almost 70 per cent possession in their two league games so far this season.

Aaronson, meanwhile, has been linked with a move to the Hoops after slaloming through tackles and carving apart MLS defences like a Thanksgiving turkey in recent weeks (MLSSoccer in July).

The 19-year-old has been labelled North America’s answer to Kai Havertz for a reason.

And Union’s coach has no intention of standing in their way with Aaronson and McKenzie rapidly outgrowing the MLS pond.

“There’s real offers that are coming in.” Curtin said.

“To see Mark’s growth and development as a centre-back that can pass through the lines, dribble out of the back, that can hit a 50-60-yard right and left-footed diagonal. He’s ready. He can play.

“I’m confident enough now and I’ve seen enough centre-backs that have gone on to Europe, he’s ready to do it. I can say with confidence Mark is ready to take that next jump. I’m going to cherish every day I have with him.

“Brenden is the same. Often, when the buzz starts and there’s lots of eyes on games and people hear that there are scouts that are watching all over the world, they tend to shrink and get a little bit smaller.

“These two grew and blossomed.”

Both McKenzie and Aaronson will need every ounce of that brazen self-belief if they are to shine at Celtic – a club where success and silverware is pretty much non-negotiable.