da winzada777： Emerging reports this week have linked Celtic with a shock move for a Championship outcast and it’s one that must be avoided at all costs…
What’s the word?
da spicy bet： According to TEAMtalk, the Scottish champions have expressed an interest in Stoke City winger Tom Ince, who faces uncertainty over his future in Staffordshire.
Despite being under contract until 2022, the 28-year-old is not in Michael O’Neill’s plans for the current campaign, meaning he could be free to leave to any interested party.
SPFL rivals Rangers and Premier League newcomers West Brom are also said to be keen to snap up the £10m flop.
Unforgivable swoop
It’s been a very long time since Ince did anything of note.
Last term, the Englishman could only deliver three goals and two assists despite starting 31 matches in the Championship. You have to go way back to the 2016/17 campaign to find the last time that Ince bagged more than six goals, per WhoScored.
If he’s struggling to cut it in the second-flight, then why would he be an improvement at Celtic Park?
James Forrest and Moi Elyounoussi are Neil Lennon’s first-choice wide options whilst they have support from encouraging prospects like Karamoko Dembele and Mikey Johnston.
It remains to be seen how much the Potters misfit would cost Nick Hammond, though he’s thought to be on a £27k-per-week contract, which would make him the highest-earner at Parkhead.
Even Odsonne Edouard is on less at £18k-per-week. What an insult it would be to the Frenchman if Ince were to come in and command more on the back of a paltry season in English football.
That would be unforgivable on the Hoops’ part.
Ince has been lauded in the past as a “real team player” by ex-Rams boss Paul Clement as well as describing himself as “not one of those old fashioned wingers who just gets crosses in, I like to create things, show bits of magic.”
Yet, this isn’t a move they should be making this window.
AND in other news, Celtic could be faced with shades of John McGinn if they do not secure seven-figure “diamond”…