'Can Celtic afford to pay that?' - Former Rangers man reacts to what he's now heard on CCV

Former Scotland defender Alan Hutton has delivered his verdict as Celtic near the permanent capture of Cameron Carter-Vickers. 

This comes following an initial report from American news outlet SBI Soccer (23 April) claiming that the Hoops are nearing the signing of the 24-year-old USA international.

That was then backed up by football.london’s Tottenham Hotspur correspondent Alasdair Gold as the deal believed to be worth an initial £6million (rising to £10m) picked up significant pace.

However, one ex-Scottish Premiership ace has questioned whether the transfer will go ahead…

Speaking to Football Insider, the BBC Radio 5 Live pundit has queried whether the Hoops will be able to fund the move, but says it would be a huge coup if they can.

“I watched him at the start of the season and he wasn’t exactly ripping up trees. I don’t think that was his fault, I think it was due to a lack of game time at the start of the season.

“He’s come up here and really shown his worth. He’s a man-mountain, very difficult to get past but also good on the ball.

“I think this is a more difficult one, especially when you consider the value. We could be talking be £7-10million here. Can Celtic afford to pay that?

“If the bigger teams in the Premier League are swooping, it’s going to be very difficult to hang on to him. Fair play to him. He’s come up here, he’s worked hard, and he’s made it happen for himself.”

Whilst the hierarchy rightfully keep their cards close to their chest when it comes to budgets and so on, should the Bhoys secure a spot in next season’s UEFA Champions League group stages as now expected, then this kind of deal, and indeed the reported £6million permanent move for Jota, suddenly become far more plausible.

Although the