Celtic forced to play a waiting game for prime target Toney
Celtic will learn in the next 72 hours whether they still have a chance of landing Ivan Toney.
The Hoops want to bring in the Peterborough United striker, and have already had a £5-million bid rejected by the English League One club as they have deemed the offer too low.
Posh would prefer to go with a counter £5m offer from Brentford, that could rise to £9m with add-ons.
However, it is understood Toney wants to wait and see if the Bees can win promotion to the Premier League in Tuesday’s Championship Play-off Final against Fulham at Wembley before committing.
Should they lose, Celtic will be right back in the mix.
Manager Neil Lennon is aware of the twists and turns the transfer window being extended until October could bring.
He said: “It’s going to be a long transfer window, and there will be pros and cons.
“As your season is into its flow, you might be able to bring in player you need in a certain position.
“That’s an advantage from our point of view, and something new.”
Neil Lennon last night insisted he is happy keeping transfer market plates spinning in the air as Celtic embark on their bid to complete 10-in-a-row.
A consequence of the coronavirus shutdown has been an extended window, with clubs able to buy and sell players until October.
That means the Hoops will kick off their 202021 campaign at home to Hamilton Accies today unsure what their team might look like come Christmas time.
Their £20-million-rated striker, Odsonne Edouard, is stalling on signing the contract extension that would be a clear message to would-be buyers he is staying put.
Ivan Toney, who they would love to bring in to protect against the Frenchman’s departure, is likewise playing a waiting game.
Peterborough have a firm interest from Brentford, who are ready to pay £4m up front, potentially rising to £9m with add-ons.
However, the 24-yearold is believed to be hanging on to see if the Bees get up to the Premier League in Tuesday night’s Championship play-off Final against Fulham before committing.
Should they fail, Celtic, who have already had a £5m bid rejected, would become a live option.
With the possibility of offers coming in for his own players at any time, Lennon has plenty to think about, but is relaxed about what is a unique situation.
“It’s as you were with contract talks with Odsonne. There has been no further movement one way or another,” he said.
“Whether it’s Edouard or any other player, it’s not something we won’t be prepared for. In previous years, we sold guys like Moussa Dembele and Kieran Tierney.
“It’s not something that we want, but there may be intense speculation surrounding a number of our players, so we have to plan ahead.
“That’s what we do. It’s like a circular motion – we have to keep the wheels moving and be prepared for any eventuality when the market opens.
“It’s going to be a long transfer window, and there will be pros and cons.
“As your season is into its flow, you might be able to bring in player you need in a certain position. That’s an advantage from our point of view, and something new.
“The detrimental side is you just don’t know, a club could come in and show real interest in one of your players.
“It goes back to my days of playing, when you could buy a player at more or less any stage of the season. We’ll have to adapt to it, and be patient.”
Patience will also have to be the key for Mikey Johnston. The winger will be out for up to six weeks following surgery on a calf problem.