Olivier Ntcham has been the subject of transfer speculation in recent weeks and with a price tag being set at £12million for potential suitors, he could be heading out the door.
Speaking to Football Insider, Alan Hutton feels that at the fee being suggested, it would be a good deal for Celtic, given his current status in the squad.
So what has Hutton said?
When asked if he thinks that Neil Lennon would sell at the figure being quoted, he said:
“I think that’s really good money, I think if Celtic can get £12million for him, they’ll be happy with that.
“As a player, I like him but he’s in and out, he doesn’t play all the time. I do think Neil Lennon does trust him but I think there’s maybe other players that he prefers in certain games.
“I think if Celtic were to get in around £12million I think they would let him go. I think Ntcham is one they might think about and that’s not me saying I think he’s not a good player, he’s a really good player and he always plays well for Celtic, it’s just they’ve got a lot of options going forward.”
So is Hutton correct?
Celtic paid in the region of £4m for Ntcham a few seasons ago, so to treble their money would be an exceptional bit of business, especially – as Hutton says – when you consider that the playmaker is in and out of the team.
Would you sell Ntcham for £12m?
Yes
No
There has never been any doubt about the Frenchman’s ability and he has the potential to be a match winner on any occasion regardless of the opposition but it is no secret that he has been trying to engineer his way out of Parkhead for some time now.
If the gaffer can get £12m for Ntcham it would be an outstanding deal, with Ryan Christie, David Turnbull, Moi Elyounoussi and Tom Rogic all capable of playing a similar role, his absence wouldn’t have a huge impact and there would be funds available to sign a replacement – over to you, Nick Hammond.