Opinion: Celtic would make a statement by beating big spenders to signing

It seems that Celtic are facing competition from the Premier League in their attempts to sign on-loan Tottenham defender Cameron Carter-Vickers on a permanent basis.

American football website SBI Soccer reports that Newcastle United are interested in signing the centre-back according to a source close to the player.

The report goes on to reveal that if the Hoops take up the option to buy the player which is included in the loan, it will cost Celtic an initial $7.4m – which is around £6m.

It is a bit of a concern that Newcastle are interested in the defender, as they obviously have money to spend following their takeover. Indeed, in the January transfer window they reportedly spent over £90m.

Spending £6m to sign Carter-Vickers would not be an issue for them, but it could be for Celtic, although the Hoops can offer the player the chance to play in the Champions League group stages.

It would be a real statement from the Hoops if they were able to persuade Carter-Vickers to turn down a return to England and to sign for the Bhoys on a permanent basis.

It would show that players are willing to play for Ange Postecoglou, and also that Celtic are willing to spend big to keep hold of the players who have been so important to the club this season.

Celtic should be looking to keep hold of the players that have been vital to winning the league, and Carter-Vickers certainly falls into that category. It is not exaggerating to claim that he has been one of Celtic’s most important players this season, and his centre-back partnership with Carl Starfelt has been key to Celtic’s success this season.

It is no surprise that the 24-year-old is attracting attention from clubs in England, as he has performed excellently for the Hoops. Celtic