Three Scott Brown replacements Celtic must consider in January
Celtic skipper Scott Brown has emerged as a shock target for A-League hopefuls Western Melbourne, according to the Daily Mail.
The report claims that Western Melbourne, who are in the mix to become one of the two new Australian top-flight teams, want the former Scotland international to be their marquee signing.
Scott Brown, 33, is out of contract at Parkhead in the summer of 2019. However, talks regarding a new deal with the Celtic chiefs have been going well, the Scotsman has revealed.
Brown has been a fantastic servant for Celtic, having spent twelve seasons, making 476 appearances and scoring 37 goals. However, he is slowly edging towards the end of his career and the time would be ripe in January for manager Brendan Rodgers to get in a replacement.
Hence, here are three replacements for Scott Brown who Celtic must consider once the transfer market reopens.
James Ward-Prowse (Southampton)
James Ward-Prowse has struggled to find much game time this season, making just three appearances across all competitions this season.
The 23-year-old joined the Southampton Youth Academy at the age of eight and has been a part of the club ever since. Ward-Prowse made his Southampton debut at the age of 16 and has been a permanent fixture for the Saints since 2012.
However, the Englishman has fallen down the pecking order this season following the summer additions. He is just 23 and has his best years ahead of him, meaning Celtic could get a perfect long-term replacement for their ageing skipper.
Ward-Prowse can operate in a number of roles in the midfield and is a player known for his work ethic and energy. He would represent a massive coup for Celtic if they manage to land him in January, either on loan or on a permanent basis.
Aaron Mooy (Huddersfield Town)
Aaron Mooy was instrumental in Huddersfield Town’s promotion-winning campaign and had a decent season in the Premier League as well. However, the Australian has struggled to make an impression this term as the Terriers find themselves embroiled in a relegation fight.
Mooy, 28, is a hard-working, combative midfielder with a solid technique and fantastic vision. To go with his passing, creative and technical abilities, the 28-year-old is also a dead-ball specialist.
If Celtic are to lure Mooy away to Parkhead, they need to spend big on the midfielder in January.
Beni Baningime (Everton)
Beni Baningime made his breakthrough to the Everton first-team last season but his hopes of getting game time this term have been seriously dented.
The 20-year-old is yet to feature in the Everton first-team this season because of an injury problem. With Everton making some big-money signings in the summer, Baningime is not expected to feature much this season under Marco Silva and Celtic should take advantage by making a January swoop.
Read more: Why Celtic signing this 29-year-old physical defender could turn them into title contenders again
A bullish, hard-tackling midfielder, Baningime is only 20 years old and would represent a long-term investment for the Bhoys.