Newcastle United target David Turnbull will complete a summer transfer from Motherwell to Premiership champions Celtic by the end of the week, according to The Scottish Sun.
Celtic have been hot on Turnbull’s heels for the past year having courted the Well midfielder last summer, only to pull the plug on a deal at the eleventh hour after his medical raised concerns over a knee injury.
Hoops boss Neil Lennon has remained keen on Turnbull since, despite the 21-year-old missing most of last season after undergoing surgery – only returning to fitness in time to feature twice in three league games before the Scottish season was terminated early.
Turnbull has begun the new campaign promisingly with one goal in five appearances after opening the scoring in a 2-2 draw with Livingston, while opening each of his outings, playing at least 78 minutes every game and seeing the final whistle on three occasions.
Celtic are now moving to secure Turnbull’s signature this week amid growing interest from England, with Newcastle and an array of Championship sides considering moves for the 21-year-old.
Parkhead is Turnbull’s preferred destination should he leave Motherwell and is willing to pick the Premiership holders over a move to the Premier League again, after snubbing the chance to join Norwich City last year.
It is expected that Celtic will finalise Turnbull’s move by the end of the week with a bid of £3million “impossible” for the Well to refuse.
The Motherwell product, considered to be one of their top talents, had agreed on a four-year contract with Celtic before his medical led to the deal collapsing last June.
Newcastle missing out on Turnbull should not be a great shame for Magpies fans, as players opting to remain in Scotland to win the league title and have a taste of European football is a hard offer to refuse.
Turnbull can always continue to be on the Toon’s radar for the coming seasons in the hopes of the midfielder promptly quenching his thirst before pursuing a career in the Premier League, as long-standing interest could prove beneficial if he progresses in the same manner as recent Hoops to England success stories Virgil van Dijk and Kieran Tierney.