Sunderland midfielder Jack Rodwell is closing in to be the next Celtic signing before the window get shut, according to Football Whispers.
The ex-England international has been speculated to be the top of the list of expected Parkhead arrivals amid reports that his contract with the Championship struggler’s could be terminated this month.
According to Sunderland Echo, the tabloid have reported that the Bhoys are keeping close tabs on Rodwell, who the Scottish tried to sign on a loan deal last summer.
Football Whispers, the blog that gathers all transfer rumours across Europe and calculates the likelihood of them happening, rates the player 3.0 out of 5 that the £70,000-a-week will join Celtic, with five highest ranking rates and meaning it is a certainty.
He is ahead in the ratings of Leicester City striker Ahmed Musa, who the blog rates at 2.9 to join Celtic, and FC Schalke striker Franco Di Santo, whose rating is 2.5.
Rodwell who had once be regarded as one of the outstanding talents in the English game, has suffered a complete meltdown in form, fitness and confidence since he left Everton for Manchester City in 2012. His move to Sunderland two years later has done little and he has only played just two league matches this season.
The striker needs a change of surroundings and Parkhead could be just the right place for him to revive his career. Should a pay-as-you-play contract be agreed, this could be worth a punt for Celtic.
According to the Sunderland news blog, the striker is on £70,000-a-week deal with the Black Cats but there is no chance his next deal will be worth anywhere near the wages. Should Rodwell negotiate a pay-off with Sunderland, that will bring Celtic into the matter. Rodwell will need to take a massive pay cut and put his football before his wallet for a deal to be agreed.