A League outfit Western Melbourne are looking to tempt Celtic captain Scott Brown into a move to Australia, according to the Sun.
They report that the club have already made contact with the player but will ramp up their charm offensive after securing their A League licence.
Melbourne reportedly face competition from MLS sides Minnesota United and Sporting Kansas City, but are willing to offer Brown one last big contract – a three-year deal – to try and tip the balance.
The Sun report that Celtic have offered their skipper the opportunity to stay but will not put any pressure on a player who has given the club so many years of good service.
And while losing Brown would obviously be a blow to Brendan Rodgers’ plans – his leadership and tenacity is unparalelled within the current squad – it would usher in a new era at Parkhead.
New leaders would need to emerge and perhaps Rodgers would move towards the silkier style he preferred at Swansea and Liverpool – which is where Callum McGregor would come in.
He stepped up in Brown’s injury absence this season, moving deeper and setting the tempo of Celtic’s play; and he has just signed a new contract to reaffirm his commitment to the club.
McGregor has all the qualities to be Celtic’s new fulcrum if Brown is tempted away – to either Australia or America – and while a period of adjustment would be needed, it would also spark a new dawn for the club.