Ernst Tanner of Philadelphia Union has confirmed Celtic’s interest in Mark McKenzie.
The central defender picked up his first full international cap earlier this year and is in his second season as a regular playing in the MLS.
Last January Celtic signed Andrew Gutman and Manny Perez from the USA which is clearly an area that the club is scouting in.
After releasing Jozo Simunovic was released Neil Lennon upped the hunt to bring in another central defender with Chris Jullien and Kris Ajer almost untouchable over the last 12 months.
McKenzie does have an impressive pedigree but it’s likely that Celtic will be looking for someone more experienced that is capable of stepping straight into the team, possibly for Champions League qualifiers.
Tanner told the Daily Record:
We have had interest. There was a talk with Celtic, but I told them: We were not willing to talk before the [MLS in Back] tournament or during the tournament, but maybe then later on.
Will they come back? That is not in my obligation. That is up to Celtic. There is obviously a little bit of an interest, but there are so many players in the market at the moment.
We have a situation where we don’t need to sell because we also have goals as a club. We do not have a club policy (in terms of sales). But everyone has objectives. We have a competitive team in our league and that’s quite a strong argument for us.
You know American players, in general. It is their dream to go to Europe and that is okay but, when you do a transfer, all sides have to come under one hat and that’s the critical point.
I cannot speak for Celtic. I might think the interest (is serious), but as I said, there are so many players out there. It is not only Mark, but he’s an interesting asset. He is probably the most interesting prospect in our country in terms of defending. He is good.
There is interest from a lot of clubs and I have already been talking to some. We are the last ones who are hesitant in these situations, but it needs to be suitable for everyone.”
I have so many express interest in our players and I say: Okay if you are, you are welcome to make an offer. Then the interest gets lower.
Despite the international reach of Celtic the club hasn’t had an American first team player in the modern era.
Cameron Harper has impressed for the Development Squad but is likely to require to go out on loan before getting closer to top team involvement.