Barney Stewart’s growing reputation has taken another jump after Falkirk reportedly rejected a bid worth more than £1 million for the striker.
The 22-year-old has been linked with Celtic in recent weeks following his strong finish to the Premiership season, but interest from England now appears to be accelerating quickly.
According to Daily Record journalist Scott Burns, West Brom have already had several offers turned down for Stewart, with Falkirk deciding a bid well into seven figures still was not enough.
That is a huge statement from Falkirk.
Scottish clubs rarely knock back money at that level unless they believe bigger offers are coming later in the window. Stewart’s contract situation helps them too. He recently signed a new long-term deal, meaning Falkirk hold the power in negotiations.
For Celtic, the update changes the picture around any possible move.
Stewart had looked like the type of signing Celtic could potentially move early for this summer. Young, Scottish and already producing in the Premiership. But once Championship clubs start offering over £1 million, the market changes immediately.
The striker’s rise has been fast.
After impressing during a loan spell with Dunfermline earlier this season, Stewart returned to Falkirk and continued scoring at Premiership level. His performances have brought attention from outside Scotland and reports now suggest clubs across Europe are also monitoring him.
Celtic have not been credited with making an offer and there is no suggestion talks are advanced.
Still, the fact Falkirk are already rejecting major bids tells you where they believe Stewart’s ceiling is.
He is no longer being viewed as a promising young forward developing quietly at Falkirk.
He is now a player attracting serious transfer money while clubs scramble to position themselves before the summer market fully opens.
