Are Celtic Really After Boyle, And If So, Is The Deal Already Done?

Reports tonight suggest, strongly, that Celtic are now officially in the race to sign the Hibs winger Martin Boyle.

Earlier in the week, I wrote about that possibility and pointed out that the Easter Road club will be fortunate to get £3 million for him.

I personally still think so, but if it happens it might not be at that cost.

I always thought he’d be a very good addition to the squad, just not for that fee.

I would be very interested in what Ange’s plans for him are if this story is true.

It also raises an interesting question; is the deal done, or at least part of the way done?

Are Hibs and Celtic already working out the fine details and is our club sweetening the deal for the Hibs fans as much as possible by having our club push through the Henderson deal?

The possibility is tantalising, in particular because of the way it’s been structured, similar to the Maeda deal; he’s at Hibs on loan to the end of the campaign, pending a permanent move.

Is Henderson being used as a makeweight?

If he proves his worth, do we waive the transfer fee as part of the Boyle deal?

If he doesn’t, do we then pay them the full £3 million?

I think that would make sense.

A player plus cash is a much more tempting prospect for both us and the Easter Road club. I think Henderson will do them a real turn, and he’s going to learn his trade under an outstanding young coach. It’s a great move.

There’s another possibility; that Griffiths might also interest Hibs.

That’s more speculative and less certain.

Boyle to Celtic would also be a good move. Ange knows him, but more than that; he’s had a chance to watch him now up close, which as James said in a piece yesterday is what Ange does well.

He won’t just sign anyone. We’re signing Japanese players now because that’s what he knows, but he’s also getting to know the SPFL and Hibs must be on his radar.

There is a combination of factors which make this story very hard to simply shrug off as being paper talk.

We are definitely looking for another wide man; are we now covered on the left with Maeda, Kyogo and Jota capable on that flank? Forrest can play there as well. Abada has been impressive, but he’s young.

Forrest is ever excellent when he’s fit, but he’s 30 now and he has had his injury problems down through the years.

Options are always good.

As a cash plus player deal this one makes sense.

I wonder if that deal is already done, or at least in the process of being done?

I wonder if this one is bigger than just speculation.

There are a lot of reasons to think that it might be.

The Rumour Guy is a Celtic fan and blogger from Glasgow.