Next Celtic manager latest as Hoops close in on Wilfried Nancy
Scotland skipper will be free to speak with interested clubs outside of England in January about a pre-contract agreement
Scotland captain Andy Robertson has been warned that the “timing” of a potential move to Celtic is not right as he prepares to reach a crossroads at Liverpool.
The left-back, who will lead his country out at a World Cup finals for the first time in 28 years next summer, is free to open talks with interested suitors out with clubs in England from January 1 about a pre-contract agreement ahead of weighing up whether to leave Anfield as a free agent in the summer.
Robertson had previously attracted serious interest from La Liga giants Atletico Madrid last year after Liverpool splashed out £40 million to sign Bournemouth’s Milos Kerkez, but a deal fell through.
The 31-year-old slid down the pecking order as a result under boss Arne Slot, but instead opted to stay on Merseyside and battle to regain a starting spot this season.
Slot had given the Scotland hero the nod in recent weeks, but has faced restricted minutes and has acknowledged that discussions over a new Liverpool contract have yet to commence.
With Roberson guiding Steve Clarke’s men to North America, speculation has increased that he could depart the Premier League champions in pursuit of more game time to increases his minutes before the tournament gets underway in June.
Robbo began his career with Celtic as a youngster, but failed to make a first-team breakthrough. He is now being linked with a sensational return to Glasgow's east end - having previously expressed his desire to re-join the Hoops while he's capable of making a significant impact.
Read More
However, ex-Hoops defender Kelvin Wilson believes it is not the right time for Robertson to join Celtic following his international teammate Kieran Tierney’s comeback from Arsenal last summer.
Speaking toGambling.com at the Scottish Masters tournament in Aberdeen last week, Wilson said: “He is a winner with great experience. They have already brought Kieran Tierney back (last summer) so it's another left-back you’re bringing in - but he's going to bring quality.
“He’s coming towards the end of his career but he's been a great player who’s achieved some unbelievable things. He was a world-class left-back in his prime, but I just don't know if it would be the wrong timing for what Celtic want to do going forward.”
Liverpool risk losing ‘best-ever’ left-back
Should Robertson depart, former Liverpool and Fulham star Danny Murphy reckons the Reds would lose one of their greatest ever left-backs.
He told talkSPORT: “In terms of longevity and consistency (he is the best ever). The things he has won - okay, he has not won as much as people (who were playing) when Liverpool won every year - but he has still been part of a really successful era. He has made that position his own for years.”
Continue Reading