Musonda jets in to seal deal
CHARLY MUSONDA is set to land in Glasgow today to tie up an 18-month loan deal at Celtic Park.
The 21-year-old Belgian was an unused sub for Chelsea in yesterday’s FA
Cup victory against Newcastle.
But the Stamford Bridge club are keen for the youngster to go out on loan with Hoops manager Brendan Rodgers winning the race for the No.10 ahead of Spanish outfit Leganes, Serie A’s Roma and English Championship Nottingham Forrest.
Record Sport understands Celts will have to stump up a sizable seven-figure loan fee for the playmaker. But Musonda is viewed as top value for a talented starlet who could help fire the club to the Premiership title and spearhead their Champions League qualification push.
Rodgers is a long-term admirer of the Blues attacker and came close to snapping him up in the summer before Chelsea slammed the door on a short-term switch.
Musonda penned a five-year deal at Stamford Bridge and the club are predicting a big future with the Premier League giants as well as with the Belgian national team.
But he’s made just seven top-team appearances this term – including a late cameo in last week’s league win against Brighton. The forward is keen to gain more experience and was sold on Celtic after meeting Rodgers and taking in the win against St Johnstone at Parkhead last season.
Musonda admitted to Hoops defender and close pal Dedryck Boyata he was bowled over by the atmosphere and the promise of potential Champions League action has persuaded him to move to Scotland.
Chelsea were keen to insert a recall clause in the summer but Rodgers wants the playmaker to be available for European games next season.
The Parkhead gaffer is determined to bolster his attacking options with Patrick Roberts, Stuart Armstrong, Tom Rogic and Jonny Hayes all out injured for various lengths of time.
Rodgers is also sweating on the fitness of Leigh Griffiths and keeper Craig Gordon who were sent for scans yesterday.
Meanwhile, the Hoops are set to step up their bid to land Dundee defender Jack Hendry.
The Parkhead club saw a £500,000 offer rejected around the New Year but are expected to slap in an improved bid – with the Dens men holding out for a fee of around £1.5million for their prize asset.