Celtic are reportedly maintaining their interest in Venezia midfielder Issa Doumbia after monitoring his progress earlier in the season…
Scouts from the Scottish champions were in attendance for a Serie B clash against Monza in December, where the Italy under-21 international was observed alongside representatives from several European clubs, including sides from Belgium and Spain. Southampton are also believed to remain in the frame after seeing a previous offer rejected.
Doumbia continues to attract attention
Italian reports from Gazzetta dello Sport suggest that Doumbia continues to attract attention from a growing list of clubs, with sides in Portugal and Serie A also keeping a close watch on his development.
Venezia are thought to value the midfielder at around €15 million, although no final call has been made regarding his future. Their promotion push could yet influence whether they decide to cash in or retain him.
Doumbia has nine goals and five assists this season
The 21-year-old has impressed this season, registering nine goals and five assists, while also gaining further international experience with Italy’s under-21 side, featuring against the Netherlands, Denmark and Spain.
Paul Hartley on James Forrest making Scotland squad for World Cup
In other news, former Celtic midfielder Paul Hartley has expressed his belief that James Forrest could still earn a surprise recall to the Scotland squad ahead of this summer’s World Cup.
Hartley pointed to the iconic Celtic winger’s recent upturn in performances as evidence that he remains capable of contributing at international level.
At 34, Forrest has worked his way back into a prominent role for the Hoops and has recently been rewarded with a new one-year deal.
Speaking via Scottish Football Social Show, Hartley said: “He’s been a great player, a one-club man. He’s shown it season upon season. He doesn’t start every week, but when you need him, he can be that difference.”
“You need those types of players in the squad, and he’s got the know-how to winning championships. He’s played at a high level for a number of years. You need that type of player sometimes to maybe come off the bench in the last 20 minutes to try and open the defence up.”
“We’re not blessed with a lot of wingers, good wingers. The top end of the pitch, we’ve struggled to score goals.”
James Forrest has been able to turn important games for Celtic coming off the bench to set up vital goals at places like Pittodrie and Ibrox to keep Celtic in contention for the title. That is exactly the role he could offer Scotland who are very likely to be chasing a goal in the closing stages of games at the World Cup this summer.
Taking Jamesy makes perfect sense, let’s hope that the Scotland manager Steve Clarke sees it that way too!
