 Kevin McNaughton had attracted interest from English clubs |
Celtic could move to sign Aberdeen defender Kevin McNaughton for next season, says his agent, John Viola. Scotland international McNaughton's talks about a new contract with the Dons have dragged on since September.
And Viola told the Press & Journal: "Kevin is out of contract soon and we are still wanting to speak to Aberdeen about a new deal.
"But Celtic have shown an interest in taking him to Parkhead for the start of next season."
McNaughton signed a new contract in 2003 despite interest from the English Premiership and clubs from down south have reportedly been monitoring his progress again.
The 23-year-old, presently recovering from damaged ankle ligaments having missed the Dons' last four games, is out of contract next summer and can speak to other clubs in January.
But manager Jimmy Calderwood is keen to extend his contract and suggests that his agent could be using the suggested interest by Celtic as a lever to progress negotiations.
"The lad is still under contract to us and we are keen to get things done quickly," he said.
"It would not surprise me if Celtic were interested in him.
"You take a risk when you let players' contracts run as close to their end as we have and, maybe, we should have expected this.
"Perhaps this is a case of his agent trying to force our hand so that we will give Kevin a better deal. Who knows?
"We can only afford to give him so much and, naturally, if the player looks for more than that, there is not much we can do about it."
MMIX
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It would not surprise me if Celtic were interested in him
