Celtic monitored Devine as O’Neill’s Deepdale trip fuels transfer talk

Celtic have been keeping close tabs on Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Alfie Devine, with interim boss Martin O’Neill personally travelling to watch the 21-year-old during his loan spell at Preston North End last season.

Devine impressed throughout his campaign at Deepdale and is valued at around £6million, a fee that would smash Preston’s current transfer record three times over. The Lilywhites had held an exclusive option to sign him permanently, but that arrangement is understood to have expired on 1 July.

O’Neill’s April scouting trip

O’Neill, who took charge of Celtic on the understanding he would not necessarily remain in the post beyond the season, made the journey south in April to watch Devine in person. The Tottenham academy graduate registered an assist as Preston drew 1-1 with Queens Park Rangers that day.

Explaining his reasoning for the trip, O’Neill said: “I went because we should still be looking at players. Also, I know Preston director Peter Ridsdale from way back when Leeds tried to get me.”

The 74-year-old Celtic icon stopped short of naming Devine directly when asked about the player in question, but his response amounted to a clear endorsement. “Someone I think could be good, the new manager might feel differently,” he said. “But at least it’s someone you can put on the board and say, ‘We looked at them’.”

That caveat about a “new manager” reflects the uncertainty over Celtic’s dugout beyond the current campaign, with O’Neill’s tenure understood to be a short-term arrangement rather than a long-term appointment.

England youth international in demand

Devine, an England youth international, is now facing a significant decision over his next club as his season-long loan spell comes to an end. Preston’s efforts to make his move permanent appear to have stalled following the lapse of their exclusive option, opening the door for other suitors including Celtic.

It is understood Celtic have monitored the midfielder extensively in recent months, with O’Neill’s Deepdale visit just one part of a broader scouting effort. Given the £6million valuation attached to Devine, any move would represent a notable outlay for either Preston or a rival club.

Other Celtic transfer business

The interest in Devine comes amid a busy period of activity at Celtic Park. The club confirmed at the weekend that Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain has signed a new one-year contract, while talks are said to be ongoing over a potential deal for Qarabag forward Camilo Duran.

There is also a possibility that loan defender Marcelo Saracchi could return to Celtic before the transfer window shuts, adding another layer to what is shaping up to be an eventful summer of business for the Scottish champions.

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