Celtic title winner targeted by three fresh suitors after announcement on future.
The £12 million defender spent the second half of last season on loan at Celtic, but is now a free agent.
Celtic loanee Jeffrey Schlupp might be engaged in a transfer saga this summer after his parent club Crystal Palace announced that he would be freed next month after an eight-and-a-half year tenure at Selhurst Park. The 32-year-old dear joined Celtic Park on loan until the end of the season in January. He made 18 appearances as Brendan Rodgers’ team won their fourth consecutive Scottish Premiership title, and some sources claim that the club is still exploring a permanent move for Schlupp this summer.
A £12 million signing from Leicester City in January 2017, the versatile defender played 247 times for the Eagles and became a popular figure at the club, prompting chairman Steve Parish to say Schlupp had their “heartfelt gratitude and the very best wishes of everyone at Crystal Palace”, adding that “successful squads are built on players of Jeffrey’s calibre and character.””It’s been an incredible eight years playing for this club,” Schlupp remarked upon learning of his departure. “I’ve met some fantastic people – the chairman, the manager, and all of the staff I’ve met throughout the years – and it means a lot to have played for Crystal Palace. A hearty ‘thank you’ to these crew, who have accomplished something truly remarkable.”
While Kieran Tierney is set to return to Celtic on a pre-contract deal from Arsenal on July 1, the future of out-of-contract left-back Greg Taylor remains uncertain, with the Scotland international linked to PAOK in the last week, suggesting Celtic could still make a move for Schlupp this summer. Former Scotland international and pundit James McFadden feels Taylor should stay at the club and fight for his place, stating, “We have said this before. Tierney and Taylor are welcome at Celtic. I consider the number of games they play. The players have distinct styles. Greg Taylor has demonstrated in a number of games this season that he still has a lot to contribute.
Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers is also clearly hopeful that Taylor would stay, but the addition of the 27-year-old Gunners defender may prompt the player to go in order to ensure regular first-team football. If Taylor decides to leave Glasgow, Schlupp might make a permanent move to the club. However, if the winners decide to sign Schlypp permanently this summer, they would face stiff competition from two EFL Championship clubs, according to sources, with both Queens Park Rangers and Millwall considering a move. It is also speculated that Coventry City may renew their interest in the player after a failed loan move in January.
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