Celtic is now leading PSG in the competition to capture this great left-back.
Celtic summer transfer target Quentin Merlin is now attracting the attention of some of European football’s biggest clubs, according to a new report coming out of France.
The Scottish Daily Mail led with a back page report in August that the Bhoys were keen on a £7m move for the Nantes left-back, having scouted him on multiple occasions.
Nantes were said to be aware of the ‘strong interest’ and had anticipated fielding bids, but nothing came of it before the end of the window.
Brendan Rodgers has gone into the season with Greg Taylor and Alexandro Bernabei as his left-back options but it’s an area of the team that plenty of fans think should be strengthened.
Celtic would have competition for Quentin Merlin
Returning for Merlin in January may prove to be difficult, however, with FootMercato in France reporting this weekend that Nantes and the player’s agent have been approached by three big European clubs.
RB Leipzig are said to have been in touch with the Ligue 1 side to ask about his availability for a January transfer, while Serie A champions Napoli have also shown interest.
Cash-rich Paris Saint-Germain are also reported to be tracking his situation closely and, according to the outlet, have already sounded out his representatives about a move there.
Merlin is attracting attention in France having been a regular in top-flight since a young age. He’s already made 73 senior appearances for his club.
Still just 21, he is also a regular in Thiery Henry’s U21s national side and seems destined for a big move over the next 12 months. Whether Celtic can force themselves into the conversation is unknown.
If he truly is available for a fee in the £7m-£10m range, the Bhoys have plenty to offer the French talent and Scotland could be a more viable destination for him to get regular week-to-week football than the other clubs apparently in the hunt for his services.
Even if a move for Merlin isn’t a goer, Celtic have to seriously consider bringing in stiff competition for Taylor in the second half of the season.
