Celtic might have a key advantage in the race to sign Cameron Carter-Vickers, according to sports journalist Pete O’Rourke.
The lowdown
The American is approaching the final two months of his season-long loan from Tottenham Hotspur, although Celtic are hopeful of signing him permanently and held talks with the Premier League club in January to that effect.
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Hoops team-mate Greg Taylor has raved about the ‘outstanding’ performances of the on loan defender, who the Scot described as ‘quick’ despite being ‘some size’.
The loan agreement includes a purchase option of around £10m, which would make the American Celtic’s record signing. However, they will still need to agree a contract with Carter-Vickers, and other suitors have emerged for the 24-year-old.
According to TEAMtalk, five Premier League clubs – Leicester City, West Ham, Wolves, Burnley and Watford – are all interested in the player.
The latest
Speaking to GiveMeSport, O’Rourke suggested that Celtic would have the ‘edge’ over their rivals for Carter-Vickers’ signature because of the faith they have shown in the defender.
The journalist claimed: “Because of his top performances, it might give them the edge of securing Carter-Vickers’ signature on a permanent basis this summer.”
The verdict
Carter-Vickers knows where he stands at Celtic. Since he joined the club, he has been one of the first names on Ange Postecoglou’s team sheet, starting every Premiership game for which he has been available.
Also, the manager regards him as a ‘really calm character’ who has demonstrated a maturity ‘beyond his years’.
Were the 24-year-old to join one of his English suitors, there might be no such guarantees about his playing time. There is also the potential carrot of playing Champions League football at Parkhead, should Celtic win the Premiership and secure group stage qualification for Europe’s premier club tournament.
The challenge for Celtic will be footing the mooted £10m fee, but his £22,000-per-week salary should at least be affordable, especially if they have the riches of Champions League group stage participation to come.
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