Ntcham sets his sights on move abroad
CELTIC midfielder Olivier Ntcham has claimed that leaving Scotland for an elite European league is the next natural move forward for his career as he welcomed transfer interest from Marseille.
The French Under-21 international now looks sure to exit Parkhead this summer, with Celtic weighing up an improved offer to Brentford for Romaine Sawyers as a midfield replacement.
Sawyers was the subject of talks between the Scottish champions and Brentford, and a £2million fee was discussed before Celtic entered the David Turnbull transfer saga.
With the Motherwell prospect back at Fir Park following surgery and fellow Neil Lennon target Rekeem Harper signing a new West Brom deal, 27-year-old Sawyers is back in
Celtic’s sights. It is understood an initial bid was rejected and Celtic might need to go nearer to £2.5m to land the St Kitts & Nevis midfielder who is in the final year of his Bees contract.
Ntcham, meanwhile, has been encouraged by attention from Marseille, particularly after seeing hopes of a switch to Porto dashed last summer.
Speaking to of the interest, he said: ‘It shows that hard work pays off, it’s flattering. They are a very big club with some truly incredible fans.
‘If I joined Marseille, I would blossom. I’ve always gone to clubs with amazing fans.’
When asked what would be the best next step for his career, Ntcham responded: ‘A big league: Germany, France, Spain. To come back to France would be a very, very good thing.
‘Celtic has given me a lot. But leaving is the best solution for me to progress. Games come one after another but, with respect to my opponents, if the level isn’t high, you don’t progress.
‘I was really disappointed not to have gone to Porto last summer. I have played with players who have less quality than me and who are today in top clubs. Each player’s journey is different.
‘I am sure of myself. I am not saying that I am a complete player but I know that I will become one.’
Meanwhile, Premier League Bournemouth have beaten Celtic to the signing of right-back Jack Stacey from Luton Town. The Cherries have had a £4m bid accepted and Stacey is expected to have a medical on Monday.