Celtic’s aspiration to lure Hibernian midfielder, John McGinn, to the Celtic Park has been out in the public domain for a while now. Brendan Rodgers’ side have been hovering over McGinn for quite some time now, but a deal is yet to be chalked between the two clubs. The Hibs have slapped a price tag of £4million on the collar of the 23-year-old but Celtic are unwilling to cough up the aforesaid figure.
As per one of the latest reports by Edinburgh News, Hibernian have dismissed Celtic’s bid of £2million for prising McGinn out of the Easter Road. Earlier this summer, the Bhoys had seen their offers of £1.5million and £1.75million brushed aside and it has become evident that the neither of them is willing to make a compromise.
The Scottish international’s contract with his current employers is due to expire at the end of the 2018-19 campaign but despite that, the Hibs are reluctant to lose him for anything less than their valuation of £4million. If Rodgers is willing to move on from the idea of signing McGinn, here are three alternatives for him:
James Morrison
Currently out of contract, James Morrison could be an astute signing for the Celts. Having emerged through the renowned youth academy of Middlesbrough, Morrison has spent his senior career with the Smoggies and West Bromwich Albion. A new deal for the 32-year-old hasn’t been churned yet by the Baggies and considering the experience he has, he could be a decent alternative for McGinn
Daniel Devine
The former Liverpool boss has been perennially interested to work with young guns and thus, Bradford City’s blossoming starlet, Daniel Devine, should entice him. The 20-year-old had his breakthrough last season in League One and received rave reviews for his dazzling displays in the middle of the park. He has tons of potential and if Celtic are willing to take a slight gamble, he could certainly emerge as the surprise package this season.
Marko Grujic
Having spent the second half of last season on loan with Cardiff City, Marko Grujic showcased that he certainly has the ability to add a lot of steel to his side’s midfield sector and helped the Bluebirds in securing promotion to the Premier League. The 22-year-old isn’t likely to get too much game time if he stays at Liverpool and thus, a loan spell with a renowned club like Celtic should be an ideal move for all the parties involved.