Carter-Vickers attracting Leverkusen transfer 'interest' but ultimate Celtic prize could trump Xabi Alonso factor
The USA international inked a bumper five-and-a-half-year deal with the Hoops less than a year ago
Cameron Carter-Vickers is attracting transfer interest from Bayer Leverkusen, according to a report.
The Bundesliga champions, managed by Liverpool legend Xabi Alonso, have prioritised strengthening their backline in January as they target a second successive German crown and reeling in Bayern Munich's four point lead at the top. The Athletic reports that they have identified Celtic's American international as a prime target. However, it they also claim that Carter-Vickers' full focus is on securing a Treble for Brendan Rodgers' side, making a January departure unlikely.
It's less than a year since Carter-Vickers inked a bumper five-and-a-half-year deal with the Premiership champions. That means Leverkusen would have to dig deep in order to come up with a fee that would even get Celtic to the negotiating table. With Jonathan Tah set to see out his deal with Die Werkself, Alonso is on the hunt for an imposing central defender to fill the gap.
Carter-Vickers would fit the bill, although would appear one of the more difficult acquisitions given his contract situation and importance to the Hoops. He is the latest of Rodgers' stars to catch the eye of potential suitors, with Atlanta United sniffing around Kyogo.
The Japanese forward is also unlikely to be sold next month, although a reported £10million offer could prove tempting. Kyogo has scored just six goals so far this term and that sort of money for a player who will be 30 before the transfer window shuts may prove hard to turn down, especially in the summer.