With the sale of Aiden McGeady to Spartak Moscow earning Celtic a chunk of cash, it’s no surprise transfer rumours continue to be splashed across the press – and why link Neil Lennon with one Manchester City player if three names can be tossed around?
It’s no secret Celtic are interested in loaning Craig Bellamy as Lennon has already confirmed the club are interested, hailing the Wales international as one of the best players in England last season outside of Chelsea and Manchester United.
Shay Given’s name has been mentioned a possible replacement for Artur Boruc but, following something of a master class from Joe Hart against Spurs yesterday, the Ireland international’s future at City is in doubt and there will be no shortage of interest, possibly from Aston Villa and Arsenal.
The third potential loanee (at least according to the media) is Vladimir Weiss. The 20-year-old Slovakia international winger has struggled to break into the first-team at the Eastlands and spent the second-half of last season on loan with Bolton Wanderers.
Determining which rumours have the most credibility is a near-impossible task, but the claim he is close to joining on a season-long loan switch is not the least believable thing in the world. The suggestion he is being brought in to “replace” Aiden McGeady is a little harder to accept, but the player does have his plaudits.
Putting the actual players to one side, the fact there are players available at Manchester City, as well as other Premier League clubs, shows how the new rules and regulations about squad sizes is already have an impact on the game – an impact which could prove beneficial for Celtic.
With bloated squads south of the boarder and clubs paying ridiculous wages (not to mention a slightly above average midfielder in James Milner being touted around for £30million!), something has to go “bang” fairly soon. Clubs may try to prevent the implosion by saving as much money as they can, while they can, and these loan deals could prove to be idea for Celtic.
Some turn their noses up at taking players on short-term deals but, under the new rules and regulations, the standard of player available is superior to what is has previously been. While Given and Bellamy may be considered long-shots to join Celtic, even Weiss is a better player than his distance from the first-team picture at Manchester City suggests. Celtic are in a good position to take advantage.
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