Report: Celtic to submit improved offer for ‘outstanding’ left-sided 20-year-old

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Celtic are reportedly going back in for Alfie Doughty with an improved offer of £400,000, according to the Daily Record.

However, the Hoops have a plan B if they can’t snap him up this summer, added the report – namely landing him on a pre-contract, cut-price deal in January.

Doughty could move cross-border for a price of six figures in training compensation, compared to what Charlton would receive if he went to another English club.

With Celtic in competition for a tenth consecutive Scottish Premiership title this season, Bhoys boss Neil Lennon has been busy bolstering the Parkhead ranks this summer.

Doughty, a 20-year-old left-sided player currently plying his trade for English third-tier side Charlton, has been heavily linked with Celtic in the past few days.

Addicks manager Lee Bowyer confirmed earlier this week that the Hoops had made a bid for the versatile youngster, who can play at left-back, left midfield and central midfield.

That bid was turned down, stressed Bowyer, as he outlined his desire for Doughty to stay at The Valley and continue learning the ropes.

“We did turn down an offer from Celtic,” he told London News Online. “And they were at the game at the weekend, from what I understand. But we’ve not heard anything since.

“In an ideal world, and this is just me speaking on how I would advise Alfie, it would be for him to sign another deal and do another year – do a full season with us.

“I know what agents are like – they want to take them out. They think about what can be earned money-wise and not about the kid’s development – because he needs developing.

“So I think he should stay, sign and do a full season with us – improve more and then see what is on the table for him.

“Because if he goes somewhere now the likelihood is he ain’t really going to play. He isn’t going to benefit from that.”

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Doughty broke into the Charlton first team in the second half of last season and made 29 English Championship appearances, scoring twice and assisting three goals.

One of his performances last season – against Sheffield Wednesday, where he was a late call-up and played at left-back – saw Bowyer describe him as “outstanding” and “excellent”.

Charlton are playing hardball over Doughty’s signature, but Celtic seem really keen on landing him and, with his contract up next summer, the English side’s hand isn’t particularly strong.