ADAM IDAH is edging closer to a return to Celtic – and could even be in the champions’ squad for the Premiership opener against Kilmarnock at Parkhead on Sunday.
The Republic of Ireland international striker is on Brendan Rodgers’ priority transfer list after his nine goals – including the Scottish Cup winner – in 19 loan appearances from Norwich City last season.
When the largely-unknown Idah arrived at Parkhead on deadline day of the January window there was no option to buy clause in the temporary arrangement.
However, a figure of £3million was floated in discussions over the current value of the 23-year-old powerhouse who had been a bit-part player under manager Dave Warner at the Championship outft, scoring six goals in 28 appearances.
SEEING DOUBLE…Adam Idah emphasises his penalty-box prowess by firing in the opening goal past Kilmarnock keeper Kieran O’Hara in Celtic’s 5-0 win at Rugby Park on May 15 to seal their third successive title and the Republic of Ireland international strikes again to leave Rangers’ Jack Butland floundering as he claims the Scottish Cup winner 10 days later.
He appeared expendable, but his striking exploits at Parkhead obviously elevated his status and worth – and the Norfolk club have already booted out a reported bid of £4.5million bid from the champions.
There are suggestions the East Anglian club are now demanding around the £11million mark for the player who still has four years to run on his contract.
Celtic will NOT pay that sort of money for someone who is seen essentially as a back-up to main man Kyogo Furuhashi, a situation that worked well last time around as Rodgers’ men lifted the league and Cup double.
So, it’s back to the negotiating table for the money men in Glasgow and Norfolk with the Cork-born forward about to be disciplined after failing to make a flight to Austria for a pre-season training camp, as CQN reported yesterday.
The goalposts have moved with boss Warner paying the ultimate price for failure in the Premier League play-offs and being replaced by Johannes Thorup in the dug-out.
Idah caught up with the squad later in the day and watched from the stand as the team drew 1-1 with Bundesliga club Hoffenheim.
There is now a distinct feeling from the Norwich City supporters that the player is attempting to force a move back to boyhood idols Celtic and local sources believe the switch is inevitable and the conclusion is imminent.
WHEN IRISH EYES ARE SMILING…Adam Idah clutches the Scottish Cup at Hampden on May 25.
Early last month, I flagged up the perils of the second-tier club’s hierarchy playing hardball, throwing up a crazy figure and digging their heels in.
I also warned Norwich were playing a dangerous game if they priced their player out of the market while denying a young Irishman the opportunity to follow his dream.
They run the risk of being left with a dissatisfied individual among their ranks which may – or may not – affect his performances although I continue to stress I do not believe for a moment Idah would not give his all for the team.
But you and I have witnessed players going through the motions when it has been obvious they wish to strut their stuff elsewhere.
It appears a compromise has been reached in soccer’s version of chess and Idah will get his wish of a return to Paradise.
The sooner the better!
ALEX GORDON
IDAH: PLAYING A DANGEROUS GAME
