Celtic have been tipped to secure the back-up that is needed for the left flank despite having two bids for Alfie Doughty rejected by Charlton Athletic.
The Hoops are believed to be going back in with another offer and Alan Hutton, speaking to Football Insider, believes that it is a matter of “when” rather than “if” the deal is made.
So what has Hutton said?
When analysing the issue Neil Lennon currently faces on the left-hand side of his team, the former Rangers full-back said:
“We’ve spoke about it before, they’re in the market for a left-sided player, obviously Bolingoli moving on to Turkey now, you’ve got Greg Taylor who’s there and he’s kind of the only one – even though James Forrest played on that side.
“They’re looking for a left sided player and he kind of ticks all the boxes – he’s got good pace, it’s a good price, I think, it’s under a million, room for improvement and still very, very young.
“They look desperate to get hold of him so we’ll see in the coming weeks but it looks like a transfer that I think will happen.”
So is Hutton correct?
The fact that two bids have already been made show that he is a player that the recruitment team at Parkhead – and the gaffer – are keen to get their hands on and one that is a direct replacement for a former member of Lennon’s squad.
Does Doughty solve a lot of problems for Lennon?
Yes
No
Jonny Hayes was a competent member of the squad over the past few seasons and had a versatility that suited the different formations that are used by the Hoops, Doughty has a similar flexibility and can operate anywhere on the left.
He is a good price, compared to Ben Davies at Preston who has been the subject of a rejected bid from Bournemouth at around £5million, and would provide decent back-up and competition to Greg Taylor – the proverbial no-brainer.