Celts: Ntcham and Moussa not for sale
OLIVIER NTCHAM will not be sold this summer as Porto attempt to exploit Celtic’s Champions League misery.
The Parkhead club have been made aware a potential big-money bid could be in the pipeline from Portugal after being contacted by a third party attempting to broker a
deal. Ntcham is believed to have been informed of the interest but has been told he will not be allowed to leave at any price.
Porto may still test the strength of Celtic’s resolve on the back of a turbulent week. But chief executive Peter Lawwell remains adamant neither Ntcham nor Moussa Dembele will be sold to offset the European deficit.
Dembele was linked yesterday with a £12million offer from Marseille but Celtic Park sources insist there has been no contact.
Ntcham’s situation is different as the club have been notified of Porto’s intentions. But the player has three years still to run on his contract and unlike team-mate Deryck Boyata is not believed to be agitating for a move.
Boyata’s sale will now be sanctioned during the current transfer window so long as Celtic are satisfied with the size of the fee on offer having previously turned down a £9m bid from Fulham.
If the Belgian does move Celtic could try to replace him with Jason Denayer whose permanent return to Galatasaray from Manchester City has stalled, although the player does favour moving to Turkey.