The striker won’t be going anywhere in January by the looks of it.
There’s only so many times a person should have to repeat themselves. And, as Antoine Griezmann’s chippy response to yet another soundbite-angling reporter asking him about a potential move to Manchester United proved, the transfer window and the incessant speculation that accompanies it can get rather tiresome rather quickly.
Therefore, Moussa Dembele is more than likely sick to the back teeth of reports linking him with a January switch to here there and, as reported by the next headline-hungry tabloid, everywhere.
The latest rumour, courtesy of The Scottish Sun, suggests that West Ham United will make a January bid for the £20 million-rated Frenchman after finding that relegation-embroiled Sunderland aren’t particularly keen on letting Jermaine Defoe, their lord and potential saviour, depart midway through the season.
Dembele only arrived at Celtic Park in the summer on a minimal fee from Fulham and, although the champions would make one hell of a profit with a quick sale following a remarkable record of 19 goals in 36 games, neither they nor the striker are willing to even consider a January move.
“I am here until the end of my contract and for many years,” Dembele, whose Celtic deal lasts until 2020, told the Daily Mirror earlier in the season.
“I will stay here 100 per cent. I want to keep improving and keep developing as a player.”
And, only this week, Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers confirmed to the Daily Mail that there was “no question” of a January exit.
Not that this will stop the rumour mill turning. West Ham, not to mention fellow Sun-linked parties Chelsea, Arsenal, Bayern Munich and Manchesters United and City, will have to look elsewhere.
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