The race for Michael Noonan has taken yet another twist.
The teenage Irish striker is hot property, with a host of clubs tracking his situation at Shamrock Rovers this January.
This winter, it has seemed like Hoffenheim are leading the race for Noonan, who has been tracked by Celtic over multiple transfer windows.
At one point, it appeared that the deal was on the verge of completion, with the Hoops presenting a late bid in an attempt to change the player’s mind.
However, it now looks like the German side may be left frustrated after a month of negotiations.
Is the Irish market ideal for Celtic?
Photo By Marius Simensen/Sportsfile via Getty Images
👇 Join the debate; share your insight. Use the comment button on the bottom left to have your say
Update on Celtic and Hoffenheim target Michael Noonan
Noonan doesn’t turn 18 until July, meaning that he wouldn’t be able to play for a club until then – though he is still available to sign in advance.
However, Ireland’s place in the EU means that he can move straight to Hoffenheim in this window, if a deal can be agreed before the deadline.
READ MORE: Motherwell boss backtracks over Tawanda Maswanhise stance amid Celtic links
Photo By Tyler Miller/Sportsfile via Getty Images
Hoffenheim have sent multiple bids, none of which have met Rovers’ valuation – but it had been expected that the clubs would reach an agreement.
However, boss Stephen Bradley has now revealed that he expects Noonan to stay at the club this month, speaking after their President’s Cup defeat to Derry City on Saturday.
Bradley said: “The reason I didn’t bring him on tonight is he missed a bit of training.
He didn’t do any of the heavy stuff this week because he had a little knock – so he literally only got back training on Thursday and did a little small bit on Thursday.
“So that’s why he didn’t come on tonight, but no update. I’d imagine he’ll be here against Dundalk (next Friday).”
Asked if Noonan had been to Germany, Bradley said: “No. He hasn’t been to Germany. Maybe he was on holiday back sometime. I don’t know.
“But he hasn’t been to Germany. Sunday, 48 hours, things happen so quickly, don’t they? I don’t know,.
“Anything can happen, I don’t want to lie to you, but if you are asking right now, Michael is in the plans for Dundalk.”
How many Celtic signings are you expecting on Deadline Day?
Photo by Maciej Rogowski/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images
👇 Join the debate; share your insight. Use the comment button on the bottom left to have your say
Celtic’s ‘optimism’ of landing Michael Noonan
It was reported in November that Celtic were ‘optimistic’ of landing Noonan, despite the number of clubs in the race for the teenager.
Whilst the focus for many fans is on first-team options, the Hoops reportedly see him as a long-term investment.
Dermot Desmond’s influence at Rovers is another potential factor – Celtic bought Liam Scales from the club in 2021.
Chelsea, Manchester United and Manchester City are all also fans of Noonan – the latter first came close to signing him 18 months ago.
Join Our Newsletter
Receive a digest of our best Celtic content each week direct to your mailbox