Former Scottish FA figure reveals Levy once called him about Celtic star

It has emerged that Daniel Levy was looking at signing Celtic attacker James Forrest back in 2011, but the move never materialised.

Now 31 years old, Forrest is a modern-day Celtic legend. The Scottish international has spent his entire career at the club, making 455 appearances, scoring 101 goals and providing 99 assists over the years (Transfermarkt).

Forrest has won his fair share of silverware up in Scotland too, with ten Scottish Premier League titles to his name, as well as six Scottish Cups and five Scottish League Cups. He was also named Player of the Year in the 2018/19 season (Transfermarkt).

It could all have been very different though had Levy managed to snap him up over ten years ago. A then 20-year-old Forrest was a hot prospect, and it’s no surprise top clubs like Tottenham were keeping an eye on him.

According to Mark Wotte, who was working with the Scottish FA at the time, Tottenham chairman Levy had called him to ask his opinion on Forrest.

Speaking to the Scottish Sun, Wotte said: “I also have to admit that I had a conversation with Daniel Levy at the time. Spurs were watching James and he asked me for my opinion of him.

“I was clear to Daniel, that James was a brilliant young talent and was worth trying to buy.

“I don’t know what happened. If Spurs made a bid that wasn’t enough. Or if Celtic just made it clear to them James wasn’t for sale. All I can say now is that I’m delighted with how things have worked out for him over the last ten years.”

Spurs Web Opinion

It’s always interesting to think about what could have been, but I have to say, Forrest staying at Celtic was perhaps the best move for all involved. He’s become a club legend up there, and there’s no guarantee that success in Scotland translates to success in England, with the transition often proving difficult.

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