Football Insider
·29 November 2020
Football Insider
·29 November 2020
Celtic and Southampton may agree a swap deal involving Olivier Ntcham and Mohamed Elyounoussi next year.
That is according to former Saints and England striker Kevin Phillips, speaking exclusively to Football Insider correspondent Dylan Childs about Ntcham’s future at Parkhead.
The 24-year-old is set to enter the final 18 months of his contract in Glasgow with no signs yet that a new deal will be offered or agreed.
This site revealed that West Brom are considering a swoop for the centre-midfielder while Southampton retain their long-term interest in the player.
However, in Mohamed Elyounoussi, Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side hold significant advantage over the Baggies.
The Hoops winger, on loan from the Saints, has enjoyed a fine start to the Scottish Premiership season and Football Insider understands he could move to the club permanently in an £8-10million deal next summer.
When asked if a swap deal could be on the cards in 2021, Phillips said:
“It is definitely possible.
“Swap deals could be a sign of things to come with finances impacted heavily this calendar year. Not just Ntcham and Elyounoussi though, we could see more swap deals across Europe.
“I think there might also be a bit of cash involved in that deal but if both retain their interest they could strike a deal next year. I could definitely see that one happening.”
Ntcham has previously been valued at £12million but that valuation looks set to fall given the Frenchman’s contract situation.
He has made 21 appearances for Neil Lennon’s side in the 2020/21 campaign so far.