Olivier Ntcham is at the top of Charlie Nicholas’ ‘axe list’ as the Sky Sports pundit indulges in some Fantasy Football Manager.
Fraser Forster is the top transfer target for Nicholas who feels that he has to lose three first team players to ensure a permanent deal for the Southampton keeper.
Not many Celtic fans would mourn the departure of Boli Bolingoli and Vakoun Bayo but Ntcham is a different matter.
The Frenchman has been heavily involved in some of the big successes over the last three seasons and is well capable of being a key player in next season’s attempt to win 10-in-a-row.
Picking up on his column in the Daily Express the Daily Record reports Nicholas saying:
I’d offload Olivier Ntcham as I just don’t see him staying because he isn’t getting enough game time.
Scott Brown is a leader, Callum McGregor has become one, Ryan Christie is a big player and Neil Lennon will try to keep Odsonne Edouard but Fraser Forster needs to be tied down first.
The Hoops hierarchy have to show the desire to bring the player in long term because that approach will play a big part in a deal like this.
Celtic have already lost Jonny Hayes and Jozo Simunovic from their squad with Daniel Arzani and Moritz Bauer returning to their parent clubs.
Neil Lennon has expressed his wish to discuss new deals to bring Forster and Moi Elyounoussi back from Southampton.