Celtic have already moved into the transfer market to sign one new central midfielder in the shape of Ismaila Soro this month, but could another midfield addition be on the horizon?
According to a report published by the Daily Mirror yesterday, the Hoops remain interested in bringing Victor Wanyama back to Paradise before the deadline passes, though they face competition from Lazio and Galatasary for his signature.
Naturally, plenty of supporters will be eager to see the midfield enforcer return to the club, but an update this morning suggests the player’s interests lie elsewhere.
According to The Athletic’s Tottenham Hotspur correspondent, Charlie Eccleshare, the Kenya international desires a move to Serie A.
In The Athletic’s deadline day transfer blog, Eccleshare had this to say about his future as he revealed Lazio turned down the chance to submit an offer last night.
“Wanyama’s wage demands are believed to be an issue. He wants £60,000-a-week minimum, which given his recent injury record clubs are not willing to pay. The transfer fee discussed up until Wednesday was €8m (£6.72m) but we have been told this is now closer to €5-6m (£4.02m-£5.04m).
“There has even been talk of a loan for the remainder of his contract (18 months) for a £2m fee.
“Wanyama’s representatives will continue to push for a move today, with Serie A believed to be his preferred destination. Spurs are keen to get the player off their wage bill.”
That a potential suitor could, according to Eccleshare’s information, sign Wanyama on an 18-month loan deal for just £2m perhaps offers fans a glimmer of hope on deadline day.
The 28-year-old’s desire to move to Serie A clearly poses a problem for the SPFL title chasers, though fulfilling that desire depends on an Italian club tabling an offer for his services.
It will be intriguing to see how this plays out as the clock ticks towards the deadline.
