Celtic-linked goalkeeper David Marshall has dropped a massive transfer claim ahead of the winter market.
What’s the talk?
In recent comments made while speaking to the Go Radio Football Show (via 67hailhail), the 36-year-old shot-stopper, who was heavily linked with a move to Celtic last summer, suggested that he is desperate to secure a move away from Derby County in January.
Indeed, the Scotland international has once again been tipped as a potential target for Ange Postecoglou’s side, with Barry Ferguson stating his belief that Marshall would make an excellent addition to the Bhoys squad this winter.
Speaking about a potential move away from Derby, the ‘keeper said: “I’m desperate to get out in January. Obviously [it’s] difficult with Derby’s situation, with the club going into administration. So it’s a difficult time and sometimes these things are taken out of your hands as a footballer.
“I was disappointed how [a failed move] happened in the summer, [it] never really gave me enough time to get somewhere. Obviously, the knock-on of that is you lose your spot in the Scotland squad.
“So I’m looking at the minute to try and get something sorted for January, but nothing yet. I’m sure the closer it gets there will be a few options there. I’m training with the first team every day. There’s not been an issue that way. I’ve not had any fitness issues, so hopefully early January something will come.”
Celtic must act
With recent reports suggesting that both Vasilis Barkas and Scott Bain are expected to leave Celtic in the January transfer window, it would seem absolutely essential for the club to bring a new player in the position to Parkhead this winter.
And, while it is true that Marshall has not had much of a look in at Derby so far this season, the 36-year-old nevertheless proved last term that he would be a brilliant, as well as cost-effective, signing for Michael Nicholson to get over the line when January comes around.
Indeed, over his 33 Championship appearances last time out, the £225k-rated ‘keeper kept nine clean sheets, in addition to making an average of 2.3 saves per game.
These returns saw the man who Ole Gunnar Soskjaer dubbed an “outstanding” goalkeeper average a SofaScore match rating of 6.79, ranking him Wayne Rooney’s 11th-best performer in the league last season.
As such, should the £8.4k-per-week shot-stopper be able to refind this form after a potential switch to Celtic in January, he would more than be capable of filling the spot as Joe Hart’s number two, and perhaps even push the former England international for his starting spot between the Bhoys sticks.
In other news: Nicholson must seal Ange’s dream Celtic signing with move for “top class” £60k-p/w ace