CELTIC attempted to renegotiate a 12-month loan deal with Motherwell for David Turnbull before the collapse of the proposed £3.25million deal, as CQN reported yesterday.
The big-money switch was called off after a second medical highlighted a knee problem and the 19-year-old midfielder is now due to undergo surgery on Tuesday.
However, the Hoops attempted to come up with a solution that would have seen Turnbull join up with Neil Lennon’s squad on a temporary season-long transfer, during which time his rehabilitation would have been overseen by the Lennoxtown medical department.
The clubs could then meet again next summer to appraise the situation and take it from there as far as a permanent move was concerned.
The Fir Park side rejected the offer and the Scotland Under-21 playmaker will head for London to undergo the op which will be carried out by a leading Harley Street surgeon who has helped to extend the careers of a number of big-name stars such as Didier Drogba, Theo Walcott and John Terry.
It is hoped Turnbull will be back in action for Well by the turn of the year.
It’s understood the issue was completely unknown to the youngster or the Fir Park medical team and was only spotted when Celtic’s doctors studied MRI scans carried out as part of his medical.
The unusual cartilage condition clearly did not hinder the progress of the youngster in the second half of last season. He was also informed he could continue in top-flight
football for years without being troubled by it.
But Turnbull has also been warned that until it is fixed then he runs the risk of a potentially career-ending injury.
