Despite having not yet been appointed as Celtic boss, Eddie Howe is reportedly already gathering a list of potential transfer targets and on it is Bournemouth defender Steve Cook.
According to The Sun, the former Cherries boss wants to bring the centre-back North of the border in what be a move that would hugely bolster their current options.
Would Cook be a good signing for Celtic?
Definitely!
No, he’s not good enough.
After all, Howe knows the 29-year-old extremely well having relied on him at the Vitality Stadium on several occasions, Cook going on to play 168 matches for the club in the Premier League following promotion in 2015.
It was even a relationship that led the manager to label the defender as “incredible” on numerous occasions.
Whilst not playing at the top level anymore, Cook continues to turn in some excellent performances.
He has made 39 appearances for the Cherries in all competitions this season, captaining the club as they attempt to make an instant return to the Premier League.
Although one downside could be his wages, as he’s amongst their highest earners on a reported £45k-per-week on the south coast.
According to WhoScored, he is averaging 0.5 tackles and 1.5 interceptions per game this season, whilst also contributing 0.7 blocks and a huge 4.3 clearances. They are certainly numbers that would see him become a massive defensive presence at Celtic Park.
After all, the Hoops could certainly do with adding to their centre-back options.
Shane Duffy looks likely to return to parent club Brighton and Hove Albion following the expiry of his loan deal, whilst the likes of Christopher Julien and Kristoffer Ajer continue to be linked with switches away from Celtic.
Cook then could be the perfect addition.
Rated at £6.3m but available on a free transfer come the end of the 2020/21 season, the Hoops must make a move for the Bournemouth man should Howe arrive at the club as expected.
AND in more news, take a look at which current on-loan star the Hoops must sell in the summer…