Celtic plotting move for SPL star Ali McCann ahead of summer window, report states

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Celtic are reportedly set to lodge a bid for St Johnstone midfielder Ali McCann, with scouts due to watch the 21-year-old this afternoon in the Saints’ Scottish Cup semi-final tie against St Mirren.

According to the Sunday Post in this week’s paper edition (09/05, p64), the Hoops are gearing up to make a bid for the Northern Ireland international after keeping tabs on him for the majority of the season, with McCann impressing for St Johnstone this year as the club eye a domestic cup double following their success in the Scottish League Cup earlier in the campaign.

McCann has been rumoured with a move to Celtic for some time, with the Courier reporting in November that Neil Lennon had sent scouts to watch the midfielder in the Saints 1-1 draw with Motherwell, yet as per the Sunday Post report, the departure of the former Hoops manager is unlikely to change any of the club’s transfer plans this summer.

The 21-year-old has enjoyed a great season with the Saints, with manager Callum Davidson praising McCann for his versatility on the pitch as per the Daily Record, with the St Johnstone boss saying when asked about the youngster’s willingness to play in an unfamiliar role: “He is the sort of player you can put anywhere on the pitch and he will grasp what is required.”

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TBR View: McCann’s versatility could be of use for new-look Celtic next season

Players who can fulfil multiple roles are growing in popularity, with the majority of the biggest clubs in the game all boasting at least one or two big-name stars who can operate in numerous positions, and for Celtic, McCann can fill a void the Hoops are missing if they are to approach St Johnstone in the summer for their star man.

Although McCann is primarily a central midfielder, he has proven capable of operating in offer positions this season, such as a number 10, right-winger and as an anchor-man in front of the defence, and for Celtic, this versatility could be of use next season under incoming manager Eddie Howe.