Celtic are preparing to intensify their pursuit of West Ham midfielder Andy Irving during the summer transfer window, according to the club’s former chief scout.
Mick Brown — who previously worked at clubs such as West Ham, Manchester United, and Blackburn — told Football Insider that the Hammers are open to letting the 25-year-old go.
Irving, who has just one international cap for Scotland, featured only 11 times for West Ham in all competitions last season. He’s reportedly open to a return to Scotland, which could pave the way for a move to Celtic Park.
Brown claims Celtic are ready to back manager Brendan Rodgers with signings as he looks to bolster his squad ahead of the club’s Champions League campaign.
Bringing in a new midfielder is said to be one of Rodgers’ main priorities, and Irving has emerged as a serious option.
This development follows reports from Football Insider that several Premier League sides — including West Ham and Leeds — are showing interest in Celtic’s Daizen Maeda.
Back in April, Football Insider also reported that Rodgers is pushing the Celtic board for financial backing as he plans to build on the team’s domestic success and compete more effectively in Europe.
With his extensive background in top-tier scouting, including over a decade at Manchester United during their golden era, Brown maintains that Irving is firmly on Celtic’s radar and that the club is now preparing to make a more concrete move for the midfielder.
“Andy Irving came into the West Ham side once or twice this year,” he told Football Insider.
“He played a couple of roles in their midfield, but I don’t think they’re convinced by him.
“From what I hear, they’d be willing to let him go if an offer came in because he’s not going to play a big part under Graham Potter next season.
“Celtic have been keeping tabs on his situation and they know what he can do.
“I think it’s something he’d be open to as well, a move back to Scotland.
“They could give him that opportunity because they want to strengthen in midfield.
“They’re in a difficult market, it’s not easy to sign Premier League-level players, but if one becomes available like he has, I think they’ll be all over it.
“It’s one they’ll look to get done when the window opens.”
A central midfielder isn’t the only addition Brendan Rodgers is hoping to make this summer — he’s also aiming to strengthen Celtic’s options out wide.
According to a Football Insider report from 15 June, the club have renewed their interest in Michel-Ange Balikwisha of Royal Antwerp, having missed out on signing him last summer.
The 24-year-old winger has been on Rodgers’ radar for some time, and Celtic now appear to have a clearer path to securing his signature, with Antwerp currently facing financial challenges.
Back in December, Football Insider reported that Celtic were considering reviving their pursuit of Balikwisha, and since then, club scouts have continued monitoring his performances closely.
