PAUL Hartley feels Leicester City won't be the only Premier League club interested in signing Callum McGregor this summer - and predicted Celtic will find it hard to turn down bids in excess of £25m for the midfielder.
Leicester, who are managed by former Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers, had an English transfer deadline day move for McGregor turned down last summer.
However, the Foxes have been tipped to make a £25m bid for the Scotland internationalist in the close season ahead of their return to the Champions League.
Hartley, now in charge at League Two leaders Cove Rangers, feels the King Power Stadium club won’t be the only interested party at the end of the 2019/20 campaign.
“I’m not surprised that Brendan Rodgers is interested in signing him and I’m sure he won’t be the only one," the ex-Celtic midfielder said. "Callum seems to like being at Parkhead, but £25m is a lot of money for any Scottish club. It would take a hell of a lot of money to take him away from Celtic."
Hartley can understand why Rodgers, as well as other top flight managers down south, is interested in securing the services of the 18-times capped 26-year-old.
“He’s great at keeping the ball moving first-time and the difference between him and other midfielders is that he always looks to play a forward pass," he said. "Callum’s not one of those negative players who knocks it sideways and backwards – he tries to break the lines with every attempt.
“Plus he has a goal threat with that great left foot. He’s the archetypal modern-day midfielder, one who’s able to control the direction and tempo of matches.”
Hartley added: “The goalscorers tend to attract the headlines and win the awards but he just goes about his job in a professional manner. He’s a level-headed player who doesn’t seem to get involved with social media, which is unusual for footballers nowadays but he just seems to love the game.”
Paul Hartley was speaking at a William Hill media event. William Hill is the proud sponsor of the Scottish Cup.
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