‘Tyrell Malacia to Celtic is a great deal’ – Man United transfer nears

Celtic face significant challenges in competing with Eredivisie clubs to sign Manchester United left-back Tyrell Malacia this summer, according to former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson speaking on Football Insider's Inside Track podcast. Robinson expressed pessimism about Celtic securing Malacia either on loan or permanently.

Malacia is among five Manchester United players seeking an exit this summer and is training away from the main squad as a result. Despite making only eight appearances for PSV during last season's loan spell, Robinson indicated multiple Dutch clubs hold an interest in the 25-year-old alongside Celtic.

Celtic's need for a left-back follows Greg Taylor's departure to PAOK. However, Robinson stated the Scottish champions cannot financially compete with the Eredivisie suitors. Manchester United prefer a permanent sale over a loan due to Malacia having only one year left on his contract, but it's uncertain if Celtic want to permanently sign direct competition for the returning Kieran Tierney.

Robinson specifically doubted Celtic's ability to match the wages Malacia could command elsewhere, particularly from Dutch clubs, calling it a "key sticking point." He believes Malacia, a "top quality player," will attract other suitors and that a move back to the Eredivisie seems more likely and financially appealing to him.

While Celtic lost Taylor, Kieran Tierney's return provides an immediate upgrade and established starter at left-back. Furthermore, manager Brendan Rodgers has more pressing concerns in attack after losing Nicolas Kuhn (£17.3m to Como) and still needing to replace Kyogo Furuhashi. Rodgers' priority is strengthening the frontline, with Napoli's Giuseppe Ambrosino linked, rather than adding depth at left-back.