Celtic See Andy Irving West Ham Transfer Efforts Rebuffed As Brendan Rodgers Told Asking Price

Celtic have reportedly had a bid for Andy Irving booted into touch by West Ham.

The Hoops are long-term admirers of the midfielder and have emerged as potential suitors again this summer despite having a number of central options including captain Callum McGregor.

Irving would suit the Scottish club’s homegrown talent quota where their European registrations are concerned but the 25-year-old won’t be sold on the cheap at London Stadium.

It’s all relative, of course, and it is claimed by West Ham Central that Celts lodged an offer of around £2.2million for the playmaker.

Celtic submit offer for West Ham midfielder Andy Irving

That was quickly dismissed by the Hammers who are believed to be holding out for closer to around £3.5m for their player. It’s said that they would do a deal at that price.

It remains to be seen as to whether or not Celtic will return to the negotiating table for Irving as they continue to look towards doing more transfer business before Thursday’s Champions League squad deadline.

Manager Brendan Rodgers has struggled to get new players in the door this window so far with only Benji Nygren, Shin Yamada and Kieran Tierney ready to take the first-team by storm.

The likes of Hayato Inamura, Callum Osmand and Jahmai Simpson-Pusey have also arrived but the likelihood of regular game time for the trio is relatively low.

Irving Celtic arrival could signal end for Paulo Bernardo

Should Irving eventually make the switch to Parkhead, the deal would throw Portuguese midfielder Paulo Bernardo’s future into doubt.

The 23-year-old has not featured for the club this season so far and is behind Reo Hatate, McGregor, Nygren, Arne Engels and Luke McCowan in the pecking order.

Hatate, meanwhile, is attracting interest in the Premier League from the likes of Brighton and the desire to bring in Irving could also signal a sale for the Japanese.

Regardless of outgoings in the east end of Glasgow, the Scottish Premiership champions need to bolster their squad and Rodgers has made it clear which positions he wants.

Celtic want two wingers and a striker in transfer window

Two wingers and a new striker to compete with Irishman Adam Idah are on the shortlist at Celtic Park and there have been several names floated as possible options.

The club lowballed Go Ahead Eagles in their efforts to sign winger Jakub Breum with the Dutch side seeking £5m for their attacker. Celtic made offers of £1.5m and then £3m and no deal has yet been agreed.

Michel Ange Balikwisha of Royal Antwerp is also on a list of players wanted by Rodgers but, again, no deal has been struck.

Long-term target David Strelec up front is currently in talks with another club.