Celtic eye move for West Ham’s Andy Irving

Celtic are reportedly nearing a deal for West Ham’s midfielder Andy Irving, as the Scottish player seeks regular first-team action. 

The 25-year-old, previously linked with Celtic, is said to be available for transfer this summer after limited appearances for West Ham last season. 

Irving featured in 11 matches—ten in the Premier League and one in the EFL cup—but has struggled to secure a consistent role since joining from Austria Klagenfurt in 2023, where he excelled.

Sources suggest West Ham rejected a £2.2 million bid, believed to be from Celtic, but a £3.5 million offer could seal the transfer. While this news awaits confirmation from major outlets, it’s a development worth watching.

Celtic’s midfield is already well-stocked, with recent £11 million signing Arne Engels and Portugal U21 captain Paulo Bernardo competing for minutes. 

Bernardo has yet to play this season, highlighting the depth in the squad. Some argue Celtic’s midfield doesn’t urgently need reinforcement, but Irving’s potential arrival could add versatility.

On Friday, Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers indicated no immediate signings were expected, stating that there was no new transfer news to share.

 He acknowledged ongoing efforts to improve the squad, emphasizing the club’s focus on balancing quality and value. Rodgers noted that the board has a strong track record of managing transfers effectively, ensuring both top talent and financial sensibility. 

He expressed confidence that the club’s leadership would continue to make strategic decisions to strengthen the team while maintaining fiscal responsibility.

Irving’s potential move could provide him the chance to reignite his career in Scotland, where he previously shone with Hearts. 

For Celtic, securing the midfielder at the reported price could be a shrewd addition, though it remains to be seen if the deal will materialize amid their cautious approach to transfers.