A Celtic target currently playing in the Scottish Premiership has opened up about transfer speculation.
Josh Mulligan enjoyed an impressive campaign after making the move to Easter Road. Across 33 appearances in all competitions, he scored three goals and provided five assists, but it has been his defensive work and consistency that have really caught the eye.
That means Celtic would face genuine competition if they decide to step up their interest.
The Hoops have been following Mulligan’s progress for some time. He was linked with a move before the January window and remained on Celtic’s radar throughout the second half of last season as recruitment staff assessed midfield options ahead of the summer.
So far, though, there has been no concrete bid from Celtic.
Speaking to the Hibs Observer, Mulligan explained how he deals with transfer speculation.
“I went through this when I was at Dundee, so it helps that it’s not a new thing I’m going through. I just put it to one side. The only thing I’m thinking about is my next game for Hibs.
“I think if you start looking too much into it, it can get into your own head.
“Obviously any teams that are interested are interested for a reason, but I think you need to show that you’re capable of dealing with the speculation as well.
“As I said, I just block it out and focus on the next game for Hibs.”
It is the sort of answer clubs like to hear. Mulligan is not allowing outside noise to affect his performances, and with several weeks of the transfer window still to run, his future is unlikely to be decided in a hurry.
He is certainly one to keep an eye on as Celtic continue shaping Martin O’Neill’s squad for the season ahead.
The Parkhead club have already explored business with Hibs in recent months. CeltsAreHere revealed in January that talks had taken place over midfielder Miguel Chaiwa, with a fee in the region of £4 million to £5 million believed to be enough to complete a deal. No further discussions have taken place since then.
Supporters, however, will be hoping that is only the beginning. There are still areas of O’Neill’s squad that require strengthening, and with interest building around players like Mulligan, attention now turns to whether Celtic will turn long-standing admiration into genuine action.
