TBR View: Celtic should reignite reported 2018 interest in Liverpool star after Sunday display

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Pedro Chirivella starred for Liverpool on Sunday as The Reds earned a 1-0 win over Merseyside rivals Everton at Anfield despite Jurgen Klopp fielding a much-weakened side against Everton’s best – and Celtic should have taken note.

Chirivella, 22, started in the middle of the park alongside Adam Lallana and Takumi Minamino, anchoring the midfield in a similar role to that of Fabinho or Jordan Henderson. Despite it being just his ninth senior Liveprool outing, he impressed.

The Spain youth international looked composed and calm throughout, showing an array of passes but also putting his body on the line when needed. He made a number of important blocks and tackles throughout the match.

The Spaniard is out of contract at the end of the season, though Sky Sports have claimed that Liverpool are considering a new deal for the midfielder. Celtic were linked with a move for Chirivella in the summer of 2018, as per Goal.

Despite reports of a potential new deal for Chirivella, his future remains very much in doubt. A non-English club, such as Celtic, could even pick Chirivella up on a free transfer under the Bosman ruling – meaning he would join a new side in the summer.

Celtic have to consider such a move. Scott Brown remains first choice at the base of Neil Lennon’s midfield, but he turns 35 in June and it remains to be seen how many years he has left in his legs. Kouassi Eboue is completely surplus to requirements.

Callum McGregor can do the holding role, as can Nir Bitton – but both are being used in different positions at the moment and Celtic need to find themselves a long-term successor to Brown sooner rather than later.

Chirivella has the ability and potential to be that man. Available on a free transfer, Celtic surely have to reconsider their reported 2018 interest – especially given his stunning performance against Everton on Sunday.