CELTIC’S reported interest in Aussie wonderboy Calem Nieuwenhof has been laughed off by Western Sydney Wanderers boss Marko Rudan.
The 21-year-old midfielder has been in eye-catching form since joining from A-League rivals Sydney FC in the close season.
Nieuwenhof has been linked with the Hoops after it was said Ange Postecoglou was monitoring his progress as he continues to strengthen his squad for the second part of the campaign at the club.
Aussie World Cup midfielder Aaron Mooy, of course, joined the Hoops on a two-year contract last summer.
AWESOME AUSSIE…Aaron Mooy lashes in his second goal via the penalty spot in the 4-0 win over Hibs at Easter Road last month.
There was also talk of a deal for Nieuwenhof being completed this month and the player being loaned back to the Aussie outfit for the remainder of the term.
Head coach Rudan, however, insisted the report was “false” and he told local media outlet FTBL: “I made a joke to Calem about it in front of the players.
“It’s the first me, Calem or Ange had heard about it.
“You’re always going to get that. He’s a player I trust and he’s been one of the stand-outs in the league.
“It’s welcome good news [he’s being talked up]. albeit in this case it is false.
“It’s great for people in the pub to have a chat about. He’s the kind of guy who’ll keep his feet planted and continue to try to improve.”
Postecocoglou has already brought in three recruits – defenders Alistair Johnston and Yuki Kobayashi and midfielder Tomoki Iwata – in this transfer window and has stated he is looking for at least one new player before the end of the month.
