TBR View: Celtic have got to consider move for Newcastle defender Javi Manquillo

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Newcastle’s reportedly imminent takeover continues to see player after player linked with a move to St. James’ Park, and such an influx of talent may see The Toon forced to offload a number of current fringe players – and Celtic should take advantage.

The likes of Edinson Cavani, Kalidou Koulibaly, Dries Mertens, Willian, Philippe Coutinho and Antoine Griezmann are all being linked with a move to Tyneside – given the riches of Newcastle’s potential new owners.

That means a handful of players could leave this summer. Spanish right-back Javi Manquillo is nearing the end of his contract, despite being in and out of the side this season under Steve Bruce and clocking up 13 Premier League appearances.

Newcastle already boast DeAndre Yedlin and Emil Krafth and even without a takeover, 25-year-old Manquillo is hardly likely to be offered a new deal as Yedlin returns from a long injury lay-off. Celtic need to take advantage.

The Hoops signed three right-sided defenders last summer, in the form of Moritz Bauer from Stoke City, Jeremie Frimpong from Manchester City and Hatem Abd Elhamed from Hapoel Be’er Sheva. But they have had contrasting fortunes.

The best known of the three, Bauer, has really struggled while youngster Frimpong has been on fire for Celtic. Elhamed has been forced to watch on the sidelines through injury. Bauer is due to return to Stoke City when his loan ends.

Meanwhile, Elhamed offers cover at centre-back just as much as right-back. The Hoops could do with a new right-sided defender, and given that Manquillo is available on a free – surely a move north of the border makes sense?

Manquillo’s ball-playing ability and the versatility to offer cover at left-back would make him a solid signing for Celtic in their pursuit of 10 in a row.