As the first team rebuilding job grows by the day, the question of who will be replacing the expected exodus of players in the summer grows. One player rumoured to be in the spotlight for Celtic is Everton forward Josh King.
King has been reported as a target for the Hoops to bolster the forward line for next season to prepare for the eventual departure of French u21 striker Odsonne Edouard, but there has been an unexpected twist to any possible forthcoming deal.
As quoted by The Evening Times, Everton boss Carlo Ancelloti says that the big striker is in good condition and has been training well, “I think at the end of the season we are going to talk about if he can stay, if he can have a new contract with us or not. We have to take a decision at the end of the season.
“In the last few weeks he had a small problem on his back and so was not available to train properly. He was back today after two days off, but his condition is quite good.
“He didn’t have a possibility to play a lot for my technical decision, because there we have a lot of options. He played some part of the games and was good, I have to say. In training he’s absolutely ok, really serious and really professional.”
King has played for a succession of clubs on loan as he started his career at Manchester United back in 2009 but after failing to make a first team appearance, he made his move to Blackburn and then eventually to Bournemouth under Eddie Howe.
After an impressive four seasons under Howe, the Norwegian international made his big money move to Everton but has so far, failed to make an impact.
With seventeen international goals in fifty four appearances for the Norwegians, King is undoubtedly talented but at 29 years of age, would Celtic be wise to move for an experienced player that cannot command a starting place at his current club?