Tottenham Hotspur appear to be on the brink of a squad overhaul and so the onus is on the North London club to find as much value in the transfer market as they can.
There are bargains to be found in Scotland and so who could Spurs pluck from north of the border? Who could follow in the footsteps of the likes of Billy Gilmour and Virgil Van Dijk in making the move to the Premier League?
Odsonne Edouard
Club: Celtic
Age: 22
Nationality: France
A number of clubs across Europe have already been linked with Odsonne Edouard, and with good reason.
The French striker is renowned for his coolness in front of goal, finding the back of the net no fewer than 28 times for Celtic in all competitions this season. Signed as a direct replacement to Moussa Dembele, it’s possible that Edouard will surpass his predecessor.
The 22-year-old would provide some competition to Harry Kane at Tottenham. Spurs have been made to pay for not having a deputy for Kane in the past two seasons, but the signing of Edouard would address this.
The French striker is only to get better and better. Spurs should take advantage of his current reported price of £25 million before he costs double that further down the line.
Jeremie Frimpong
Club: Celtic
Age: 19
Nationality: Netherlands
Signed from Manchester City last summer, Jeremie Frimpong has quickly become one of Celtic’s most valuable assets this season. The teenage right back’s exuberance and infectious enthusiasm has made him a fan favourite, and a good interviewee, but it’s his performances on the pitch for the Hoops that have been most eye catching.
Spurs’ deficiency at right back is well known and Frimpong would give them something they currently lack. The Dutch teen is a whole right wing in one player. His mobility and pace means he can provide an attacking outlet as well as help out at the back. On the basis of what we have seen this season, it won’t be long before Celtic are fielding offers.
Aaron Hickey
Club: Hearts
Age: 17
Nationality: Scotland
Thrown in at the deep end as a teenager, the performances of Aaron Hickey have been a rare bright spot in what has been a dreadfully disappointing season for relegation-threatened Hearts.
The 17-year-old has impressed to such an extent that Manchester City are reported to be monitoring the left back. Celtic have also been linked.
Scotland already has Andy Robertson and Kieran Tierney as two of the best left backs in the country and Hickey could add to that. The Hearts man is also capable of playing on the right side of the defence and this versatility only adds to his transfer market value. Spurs would be making an investment in the future by swooping for Hickey.
Callum McGregor
Club: Celtic
Age: 26
Nationality: Scotland
There were doubts earlier in Callum McGregor’s career over whether he would ever be truly good enough to hold down a first team place for Celtic. Under Brendan Rodgers, though, the midfielder thrived, earning himself a reputation as one of the most intelligent and influential players in the country.
It’s been speculated that McGregor could be reunited with Rodgers at Leicester, with the 26-year-old seemingly ready to test himself at Premier League level. McGregor might not instantly command a first team place at Tottenham, but as a midfield pass-master and pace setter they could do a lot worse.
