Much of the talk surrounding Celtic at present has been centred on the future of defender Josip Juranovic, with the Croatia international looking likely to be moving on from Parkhead next month when the market re-opens.
The 27-year-old has notably been linked with a move to West Ham United in recent times as well as fellow Premier League outfit Chelsea, while reports in Spain have even suggested that La Liga giants Barcelona could be eyeing a swoop for the World Cup star.
This rampant speculation comes following reports that the Old Firm outfit are open to a sale for the former Legia Warsaw man in the New Year, with negotiations regarding a new contract having seemingly hit an impasse.
Although Ange Postecoglou and co are likely not attempting to push the “immense” asset out the door – as described by writer Zach Lowy – there may well be a general acceptance that a departure is in the best interests of all parties, particularly if the Hoops can seal a sizeable profit on their initial £2.5m investment.
One man who the Glasgow side should be more actively looking to sell, however, is Republic of Ireland international, James McCarthy, with the 32-year-old having become something of a forgotten figure at Celtic Park of late.
Reports back in October suggested that the Scottish champions would be open to offers for the former Crystal Palace midfielder in the New Year, with the club likely looking to get his £14k-per-week salary off the wage bill.
There has as yet been no noise with regards to where the 43-cap dud could end up, however, with the Bhoys hierarchy potentially rueing their “strange” decision – in the words of pundit Alan Hutton – to give the Glasgow-born playmaker a four-year deal at the time of his arrival back in the summer of 2021.
That lengthy contract may well ensure that the one-time Everton man proves difficult to shift, although Postecoglou must surely do all he can to ditch an asset who simply appears to have no place in his plans.
The experienced figure has been restricted to just free transfer 18 months ago, having notably made just five substitute outings totalling only 62 minutes so far this season.
For the 5 foot 11 man to not even earn a start in the League Cup is a sign of his standings in the squad at present, with the recent absence of fellow midfielder and club captain Callum McGregor having also not afforded McCarthy a greater role in the side.
Amid talk that a new addition could be on the cards to help strengthen the midfield ranks – with Tunisia’s Aissa Laidoini a reported target – it does appear that the former Wigan Athletic star will only be shunted further down the pecking order.
As such, the best solution would be to seal a swift exit next month – be it permanently or on loan – with it seemingly no good to anyone to have McCarthy merely languishing on the periphery.
