THERE are occasions when I wonder if I have dropped into a parallel universe, dear reader.
I read persistent tales that our friends across the city are poised to compete with Celtic in the reported pursuit of Motherwell prospect Lennon Miller.
I note that he is being valued in the £4m/£5million bracket by the Fir Park club who hold the 18-year-old midfielder’s contract until June 2026.
That being the case, I ask a simple question: Where are the Ibrox outfit going to find the money to make the transfer materialise?
We are entering Cloud Cuckoo Land if there is anyone out there who is following that trail of thought. It’s mere hoo-ha, a light blue smokescreen.
ON THE MOVE…Lennon Miller in action against Celtic in the champions’ 3-0 win at Fir Park last month. Luke McCowan, Alex Valle and Paulo Bernardo get a close-up view of the teenager’s talents.
Yes, I understand the Govan club have to be seen to be showing an interest in gifted and promising kids on their own doorstep. That’s perfectly logical.
I see in one media report this morning that Nils Koppen, their recently-appointed technical director, took his seat in the Falkirk stand to watch Scotland’s Under-19s slug out a scoreless stalemate with their French counterparts on Tuesday.
Philippe Clement’s fellow-Belgian is quoted as saying: “One of the objectives will still be to sign the best talents from Scotland to maintain our squad.”
If I ever meet the chap, I must ask Nils what colour is the sky in his world.
Miller captained his country’s creme de la creme in the game and we are also informed scouts from Celtic, both Manchester clubs, City and United, Liverpool, Chelsea and Aston Villa were there to get up-to-date info on the teenager.
They missed out Uncle Tom Cobley United.
A couple of things to digest. One freelance talent-spotter could be affiliated with any number of clubs. There may well have been individuals working exclusively for one of the named teams, but there are many occasions when one scout provides a review for several cubs.
And what on earth could the Scottish champions hope to dicover about a youngster who was among the opposition in Lanarkshire just 25 days ago?
If Brendan Rodgers hasn’t made up his mind about the potential and qualities of Lennon Miller by now, I would be massively surprised.
That would suggest the Hoops manager’s eye for a player is not all it’s cracked up to be.
For what it’s worth, I don’t believe that for a heartbeat.
Just as I can’t fathom a club over £7million in debt having a spare £4million kicking about in January to splash on an admittedly exciting aspirant.
If Miller does move at the turn of the year and remains in this country, you don’t get a bonus point for guessing which club that might be and on which side of the Clyde they are located.
ALEX GORDON
