Ronald Koeman’s Everton are set to launch a January bid for Celtic defender Anthony Ralston after the youngster’s performance against Paris Saint-Germain on Tuesday.
Celtic suffered the biggest home defeat in their European history, with the teenager given the unenviable task of marking former Barcelona star Neymar.
It got rather aggressive on the pitch too, with some flash points between the duo leading to the Brazilian forward refusing to shake Ralston’s hand after the match.
Koeman was reportedly impressed with his attitude though after he appeared unfazed and not intimated by the occasion and he is now considering a January bid for the young player.
Slaven Bilic’s West Ham United are also reportedly interested in Ralston but it is said that Toffees scouts have been monitoring the 18-year-old since the end of last season.
However, Ralston is tie with the Scottish champions until 2019.
Is Anthony Ralston a good move for Everton?
Anthony Ralston show more than a brilliant performance in Celtic’s 5-0 defeat by Barcelona at Celtic Park. Ralston proved that he’s got one of the required talents for top players: temperament. The 18-year-old was completely not disconcerted by the occasion – Champions League match against Paris Saint-German, with the full core of the Hoops atmosphere behind him.
That’s difficult for anyone but he performed brilliantly under the circumstances, and made a bit of name for himself when he refused to be taken down by Neymar. Ralston has registered eight appearances for Brendan Rodger’s side and is looking like he’s ready for first-team action. The Hoops defender’s one for the future, but someone who could be called on to put a shift in now, and that would make him a valuable proposition in the Premier League.
How likely is this going to happen?
Rodgers doesn’t look set to part with the player now but if the Premier League clubs are serious and come knocking with mouth-watering fees in January, then he might not have much choice. Ralston is under contract until 2019 so leaving the Celtic Park would command a huge fee, but it might come down to the player.
Anthony Ralston might see his development better served under his current boss who has showed he’s willing to let him loose against top sides.