Celtic have been offered around £3 million for the services of their midfielder Mikey Johnston by West Bromwich Albion, according to Sky Sports journalist Anthony Joseph.
The Scottish Premiership club had agreed a deal with Sheffield United over the 25-year-old for £2.5m earlier this week, which was expected to help smooth things over in Celtic’s pursuit of Blades centre-back Auston Trusty.
However, West Brom have outbid their English Championship rivals as they want to sign Johnston permanently after he impressed with them during his loan spell last term.
UPDATE: West Brom have made a bid worth £3m for Celtic winger Mikey Johnston.
He's likely to be able to determine his own future.
Celtic had agreed a fee of £2.5m with Sheffield United – with more EFL clubs also interested ahead of the deadline.
First call @LewisCox_star. https://t.co/K5RUyehbZX pic.twitter.com/vkFx0xRl0A
— Anthony Joseph (@AnthonyRJoseph) August 28, 2024
The Scotland-born Republic of Ireland international is not in the plans of Hoops manager Brendan Rodgers, and he also spent 2022-23 out on loan away while Ange Postecoglou was in charge, featuring in Primeira Liga with Vitoria de Guimaraes.
Johnston has played his last game for Celtic from every indication and will now have to choose where he wants to ply his trade next.
More clubs in the English Championship are expected to join West Brom and Sheffield in the race for his signature in the coming hours, which could see a bidding war emerge.
The development is good news for Celtic as they will be getting the most out of the deal which would see their academy graduate end his 16-year association with the club.
The Bhoys have sold the likes of Oh Hyeon-gyu, Sead Haksabanovic, Benjamin Siegrist, Bosun Lawal, Daniel Kelly and Matt O’Riley so far this summer, and more sales and exits, alongside that of Johnston, are expected as the transfer deadline draws close.
Celtic have signed Viljami Sinisalo, Kasper Schmeichel, Paulo Bernardo and Adam Idah, while Alex Valle has joined on loan from Barcelona, and Rodgers could still complete one or two more deals ahead of Friday night.
