Post by Admin on Jun 9, 2012 10:20:21 GMT
CELTIC were hit with a hammer blow last night when it emerged Victor Wanyama wants to land a summer switch to England.
Record Sport can reveal the Hoops midfielder feels he has already enhanced his reputation enough in the past 12 months in Scotland to earn a big money move to the glamour of England’s top flight.
And it’s understood several top Premier League sides already have the versatile powerhouse on their summer shopping lists.
The Hoops signed the Kenya international from Belgian side Beerschot AC last summer for £900,000 and he joined on a four-year deal at ‘entry level’ wages.
He was outstanding for Neil Lennon’s side last term as they romped to the SPL title and his employers feel his value has rocketed to more than £7million.
Celtic will, of course, try everything in their power to keep him but the player is adamant he wants to go for footballing reasons.
The English vultures may, however, face a fight from clubs in Italy to land the talented 20-year-old star.
He has a fine reputation in Serie A because of his brother, McDonald Mariga, who plays for Inter Milan.
Record Sport can reveal Italian champs Juventus would be keen to bid for Wanyama but they have been informed his preference is a move to England.
He sees himself as a central midfielder but feels he may well be moved around by Lennon to accommodate others such as skipper Scott Brown and Beram Kayal.
Last season he played several games in central defence and although he was a stand-out in that area, it’s not his favoured position.
A friend of Wanyama’s said last night: “Victor has told a few of his international
team-mates he believes he is moving to the English Premiership this summer. He wants to play in England.
“He has sometimes felt undervalued but he really enjoyed last season at Celtic and it was an honour and privilege for him to help them win the league title.
“He also felt he built up a special relationship with the Celtic supporters.
“Victor hopes they can understand his reasons for wanting to leave.”
Record Sport can reveal the Hoops midfielder feels he has already enhanced his reputation enough in the past 12 months in Scotland to earn a big money move to the glamour of England’s top flight.
And it’s understood several top Premier League sides already have the versatile powerhouse on their summer shopping lists.
The Hoops signed the Kenya international from Belgian side Beerschot AC last summer for £900,000 and he joined on a four-year deal at ‘entry level’ wages.
He was outstanding for Neil Lennon’s side last term as they romped to the SPL title and his employers feel his value has rocketed to more than £7million.
Celtic will, of course, try everything in their power to keep him but the player is adamant he wants to go for footballing reasons.
The English vultures may, however, face a fight from clubs in Italy to land the talented 20-year-old star.
He has a fine reputation in Serie A because of his brother, McDonald Mariga, who plays for Inter Milan.
Record Sport can reveal Italian champs Juventus would be keen to bid for Wanyama but they have been informed his preference is a move to England.
He sees himself as a central midfielder but feels he may well be moved around by Lennon to accommodate others such as skipper Scott Brown and Beram Kayal.
Last season he played several games in central defence and although he was a stand-out in that area, it’s not his favoured position.
A friend of Wanyama’s said last night: “Victor has told a few of his international
team-mates he believes he is moving to the English Premiership this summer. He wants to play in England.
“He has sometimes felt undervalued but he really enjoyed last season at Celtic and it was an honour and privilege for him to help them win the league title.
“He also felt he built up a special relationship with the Celtic supporters.
“Victor hopes they can understand his reasons for wanting to leave.”