CELTIC’S interest in a loan move for Liverpool left-back Owen Beck could be scuppered by red tape.
The Welsh Under-21 defender was recalled to Anfield after spending the first half of the season at Dundee.
Brendan Rodgers has been impressed by Beck during his stint in the Premiership and the youngster put in a solid performance in the champions’ 3-0 win on Tayside on Boxing Day.
Daizen Maeda spent a frustrating 66 minutes against the tigerish back-four operator, as CQN‘s match reporter noted in his big game summary. The Japanese international eventually made way for South Korean Yang Hyun-jun who did’t fare much better against his pacy, quick-tackling opponent.
CLOSE-UP VIEW…Owen Beck is helpless as Mikey Johnston whips in Celtic’s second goal in the 3-0 win over Dundee at Dens Park on Boxing Day.
The Hoops are looking for cover for Greg Taylor in the No.3 slot with £3.75million Argentinian flop Alexandro Bernabei likely to be on his way.
Jurgen Klopp brought Beck back to the Merseyside at the turn of the year after being hit by a double blow to defensive double-act Andy Robertson, the Scotland international skipper, and Greek back-up Kostas Tsimikas with both players suffering shoulder injuries.
Right-sided Joe Gomez has been forced to play in the unfamiliar role in recent games and the Liverpool boss may now look to Beck to provide the answer.
An appearance by the 21-year-old star in the top side would end any chances of the champions landing the defender as FIFA rules state no player can play for three teams in the same season.
Klopp’s side still have two Premier League games to play before the end of this month’s window – against Bournemouth on Sunday and Chelsea on January 31.
THE FINISHING TOUCH…Greg Taylor thumps in Celtic third and final goal in the victory over St Mirren in Paisley to get 2024 off to a winning start.
They also have a Carabao Cup semi-final second leg against Fulham at Craven Cottage due on Wednesday and an English Cup-tie against Championship outfit Norwich City a week on Sunday.
As the Hoops wait to see how that situation plays out, it has gone cold on the reported interest in Portuguese left-back Tiago Araujo, according to the Daily Record.
Estoril are insisting on £4million for their player and the Parkhead side don’t appear willing to match that valuation.
