Celtic are now plotting an Alfie Devine move after Martin O’Neill’s scouting mission, as Tottenham wait on Preston’s decision.
Tottenham Hotspur have opened up their transfer chest so far this summer, splashing significantly on new additions.
A whopping £237 million has been spent thus far, a figure that could well increase as we go deeper into the transfer window.
At the same time, Spurs have also managed to complete a few sales, with Alejo Veliz one of the confirmed departures, leaving Tottenham to join Brazilian side Bahia for £7.7 million.
Luka Vuskovic could soon follow suit after reports stated that Spurs have reached an agreement with Brighton to sell the young Croat.
Tottenham midfielder Alfie Devine attracting Celtic interest
Alfie Devine is another player from Tottenham who has been attracting interest from elsewhere. The young midfielder enjoyed an impressive campaign last season while with Preston, managing 14 goal contributions in the Championship.
Preston, who signed him on loan last summer, has an option-to-buy clause set at £6 million, and it has long been reported that the Deepdale club have activated the option.
However, agreeing on personal terms with Devine is said to be the final hurdle before a deal can materialise, but no breakthrough has been reached on that front as of yet.
Football Insider now claims that Celtic have entered the race to sign Devine this summer. It is explained that the Scottish side is plotting a move for the midfielder as they aim to accelerate their transfer plans.
The publication goes on to add that Preston is now considered unlikely to make Devine’s move permanent, which has now opened the door to his potential departure and placed Celtic and other interested clubs on alert.
Speaking on the situation, Pete O’Rourke said: “Alfie Devine is a player that Celtic have been tracking for a while. Martin O’Neill and his coaching staff have made regular scouting trips to watch Devine in action for Preston last season.
“He is a very good young player, he has gone back to Tottenham now and it does look like Tottenham would be open to letting him leave on a permanent basis for the right offer.
“Martin O’Neill will be hoping to get backing from the Celtic board to strengthen the squad because they have had a slow start to the market so far.
“If there is opportunity to sign Devine, it is something that he would hope the club would go forward with because he ticks a lot of boxes for Celtic.
“He is still only 21, a player with huge potential for development as well. And it is an area of the team that Celtic are definitely going to have to add to in the summer.”
Spurs could benefit from growing Alfie Devine interest
With other clubs paying attention to Devine, Spurs could well be tempted to increase their asking price for the midfielder should he not secure a move to Preston.
That could see them earn more than the £6 million set in his option-to-buy clause at Deepdale. Regardless, it all lies in Devine’s hands now to decide where he goes in the summer transfer window.
Speaking about his future back during the season, Devine said: “I do not really spend that much time thinking about it, to be honest. I think, obviously, keeping an eye on Tottenham’s results and everything to do with that.
“But while I am here, I am just focused on everything that is going on here and then I think football sort of takes care of itself. So, what next season will look like, I cannot really tell you. But I know that I will be pushing for the thing that probably will be the best for me and what I want for myself, not what other people will want for me.
“There is obviously the buy option in the loan and stuff. It is hard to say whether that will happen or that will not happen, because in football things change so fast. I will be sure to pick something that is right for me and if that takes time, then it takes time. I will definitely make sure that the one I pick is obviously picked by myself.”