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Sources: Celtic 'open door' for Luke McCowan exit in January
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- Sources: Celtic 'open door' for Luke McCowan exit in January
Celtic will open "open the door" for midfielder Luke McCowan to leave the club if they can secure a replacement in January, sources have told Football Insider.
Martin O'Neill recently suggested that the 28-year-old still has a future at Celtic Park, despite his huge lack of football of late.
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The boss is reluctant to lose anyone from his squad in the middle of the season, but is likely to be tempted to let McCowan move on if a new midfielder comes in.
Sources say that it has been a "difficult" period for the former Dundee man, who was "scapegoated" for the Bhoys' exit in Champions League qualifying.
McCowan has only made eight appearances in all competitions so far this season, and hasn't started a game since 20 September.
He has played just six minutes of football since then, but has at least returned to the matchday squad in recent weeks.
Luke McCowan nearing the end at Celtic
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McCowan remains under contract at Celtic until 2028, and while the club have a one-year extension option on that deal, his future remains in serious doubt.
O'Neill's recent message of support for the midfielder was clear, but he is seemingly not prepared to start throwing him back into the starting XI.
Celtic are not against the idea of selling McCowan, but are wary about the potential to leave themselves short of depth in midfield.
However, he has hardly been called upon of late, despite the team's continued issues in the middle of the park.
McCowan has been relegated to little more than a bit-part player, and it is now clear that he is nearing the end of his time at Celtic.
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His exit could come in January, but it is also possible next summer, when O'Neill is also expected to depart.
Source: Celtic will accept '£15m' Alistair Johnston offer amid Everton update Celtic will accept '£15m' Alistair Johnston offer
Football Insiderrevealed last weekend that Celtic will only accept an offer for right-back Alistair Johnston in January if it hits the £15million mark.
Everton fell short of that pricetag in the summer, and are now expected to end their long-term interest in the Canadian as a result.
Sources say that Celtic's valuation is likely to be prohibitive for any interested clubs once again, especially since there are question marks surrounding his fitness.
Johnston was keen to move to the Premier League in the summer, but he may have to wait even longer to get his move.
