DAVID TURNBULL has performed a sensational U-turn and is poised to sign a four-year deal with Celtic.
The transfer saga took a dramatic twist last night after Motherwell’s 19-year-old midfielder held talks with Norwich City.
The newly-promoted Premier League outfit had matched the Hoops’ £3.25million bid for the Scotland Under-21 playmaker and were prepared to pay more than the reported £12,000-per-week.offered by the eight-in-a-row champions.
However, based purely on a footballing perspective and not a financial consideration, it looks as though the talented teenager is set to become Neil Lennon’s first signing of the summer as he strengthens his squad for a crucial campaign at home and abroad.
Talks have now re-opened between chief executive Peter Lawwell and Turnbull ’s agent Liam O’Donnell and are believed to have been positive, despite the deal lookind dead at the start of the week.
On Monday, a tweet from the Parkhead club insisted: “Celtic was pleased to agree a record-breaking fee with Motherwell FC and we have quickly followed this up with a fantastic offer to the player through his agent.
“Currently, we have been unable to come to an agreement with the player’s agent. Celtic is content that it has made a magnificent offer and it is now up to the agent and player to decide if the player wants to join Celtic. If not, we move on.”
Now, though, there has been a rethink and it looks as though Turnbull will be adding his skills to those of skipper Scott Brown, Callum McGregor, Ryan Christie, Tom Rogic and Co in a talent-laden Hoops midfield.
Last season, the Fir Park academy graduate scored 15 goals in his breakthrough campaign, netting a third of Well’s goals.