Brendan Rodgers, Celtic, Graham Potter, West Ham
(Credit: Getty Images, Imago)
Mick Brown
Tue 17 June 2025 9:17, UK
Celtic are set to step up their efforts to sign West Ham midfielder Andy Irving in the summer transfer window, according to the club’s former chief scout.
Mick Brown, who worked at the London Stadium as well as the likes of Man United and Blackburn, and remains very well-connected at his former clubs, exclusively told Football Insider that the Hammers are prepared to sell the 25-year-old.
The one-cap Scotland international made just 11 appearances across all competitions for West Ham this season, and is believed to be open to a return to his home country.
Brown told Football Insider that Celtic are prepared to back Brendan Rodgers in the market as he aims to strengthen his squad ahead of their return to the Champions League.
A new midfielder has been near the top of the Hoops’ list of priorities this summer and Irving has emerged as one of the leading candidates.
This comes after Football Insider revealed Premier League clubs want to sign Daizen Maeda, with West Ham joining Leeds on a long list of suitors.
West Ham manager Graham Potter
Graham Potter is prepared to lose Irving this summer. (Credit: Hasan Karim, Breaking Media)
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Celtic backed to land Andy Irving deal after Rodgers latest
Football Insider revealed in April that Rodgers will demand Celtic back him financially as he aims to build on their success and compete in the Champions League.
Brown, who has a wealth of experience in top-level player recruitment after over a decade at Man United during their most successful period, has insisted that Irving is on their list of targets and they are preparing to step up their interest.
“Andy Irving came into the West Ham side once or twice this year,” he told Football Insider.
“He played a couple of roles in their midfield, but I don’t think they’re convinced by him.
“From what I hear, they’d be willing to let him go if an offer came in because he’s not going to play a big part under Graham Potter next season.
“Celtic have been keeping tabs on his situation and they know what he can do.
“I think it’s something he’d be open to as well, a move back to Scotland.
“They could give him that opportunity because they want to strengthen in midfield.
“They’re in a difficult market, it’s not easy to sign Premier League-level players, but if one becomes available like he has, I think they’ll be all over it.
“It’s one they’ll look to get done when the window opens.”
Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers smiling
Brendan Rodgers is planning to strengthen his Celtic squad. (Credit: Getty Images)
Brendan Rodgers eyes Michel-Ange Balikwisha deal
A new midfielder is not the only target on Rodgers’ list this summer, as he also plans to strengthen his squad in the wide areas.
Football Insider revealed on 15 June that Celtic want to sign Michel-Ange Balikwisha from Royal Antwerp after missing out on a deal last summer.
Balikwisha, 24, has been a long-term target for Rodgers and they have now been given encouragement over the deal as Antwerp are dealing with financial issues.
This comes after Football Insider revealed in December that Celtic could reignite their interest in Balikwisha and scouts have been keeping a close eye on his progress.
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