Patrick Vieira interest could be devastating for Celtic’s Oliver Ntcham hopes

Add as preferred source on Google

Celtic might have a fight on their hands keeping hold of midfield dynamo Olivier Ntcham this summer. 

It is reported by Le 10 Sport that French side Nice, flush with money due to their mega-rich owner Jim Ratcliffe, are on the hunt for a new central midfielder.

Ntcham has reportedly cropped up as one potential option. 

The reason why is his relationship with current Nice manager Patrick Vieira. The former Arsenal and France star was working as a coach with the Manchester City development team when the Premier League side snapped up a young Ntcham from Le Havre in 2012. 

The pair would have worked together daily for three years, before Ntcham’s departure for a two-year loan at Genoa. 

Vieira’s interest Ntcham should, therefore, worry Celtic, as the 24-year-old would undoubtedly be tempted to reunite with the Gunners legend. 

Vieira clearly had a big impact on Ntcham, as the Celtic midfielder told L’Equipe in 2018, as relayed by the Daily Record. 

“He has this philosophy. Even with young players, at City, we played a certain way. To suit his game playing with the ball, it is all about short circuit and repetition, in a defined tactical framework.

“But it goes through the short game first. He is very focused on the tactical aspect. With the defenders and their positions in particular.

“He gives the attacking players freedom. For us, there is a lot to take on board, the first touch, the position of the body in relation to the ball. It’s something simple.

“He is poised, calm, open to discussion. He tells you things, there is no ambiguity.”

Last summer, as reported by the Daily Star, Celtic kept hold of Ntcham by demanding £15 million from Porto. 

He has gone on to have a stellar season with Neil Lennon’s side, especially in the Europa League. 

However, with his clear fondness for Vieira and Nice’s financial clout, Celtic may have big fight on their hands to keep hold of Ntcham this summer.