DAVID TURNBULL is still seen as a crucial pre-season signing for Celtic boss Neil Lennon, despite the problems in getting the £3.25million deal over the line.
The transfer saga was left in jeopardy after a second stringent medical on the Motherwell midfielder flagged up a problem, as CQN reported yesterday.
It is understood the 19-year-old playmaker, who seemed certain to become the champions’ first signing of the summer, will require a knee operation, but Lennon is still hopeful the clubs can still thrash out a revised deal to bring the talented teenager to Parkhead.
The Hoops boss, speaking to the Daily Record, admitted: “It’s still ongoing, there are still discussions going on between the clubs, but we’re still positive that we want him here.
“That would be between the two clubs to try to get some deal sorted out.
“The situation is through no fault of David’s. It was just something that was unforeseen.
“We are still backing the lad and we want him to be part of the club, regardless of the injury.
“We are not out of it, put it that way.
“David might need have to go through some short-term pain for long-term progress.”
Turnbull looked poised to join the treble-treble heroes a fortnight ago after the clubs agreed the fee. However, the player and his represenative knocked back personal terms which opened the door for newly-promoted Norwich City to make their move.
However, after a meeting at Carrow Road and a solid four-year contract on the table, the Well star decided his future lay with the Hoops.
Everything looked agreed last Friday and Turnbull was photographed in the new Celtic shirt in the boardroom alongside Lennon.
But the transfer took another unexpected turn following the second medical in Manchester.
Now it’s a question of wait and see before the next instalment is revealed.
