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Football

18th Apr 2018

Celtic reportedly interested in signing talented Irish midfielder

Matthew Gault

It would be an interesting move for him.

Ryan Manning has endured mixed fortunes since leaving Galway United for Queens Park Rangers in 2015. Signed by Harry Redknapp, the talented midfielder struggled to establish himself at Loftus Road, eventually breaking through at the end of 2016.

Since then, he has offered flickering glimpses of his true potential but has often struggled to nail down a spot in Ian Holloway’s first-team. Recently, however, Manning has added some consistency to his game, scoring in the wins over Norwich City and Aston Villa.

That has been enough to attract Celtic. The Scottish champions have been keeping close tabs on the Republic of Ireland U21 international and are poised to make a move in the summer, according to Get West London.

Although Holloway wants to keep Manning, the pressure of complying to Financial Fair Play regulations may mean QPR reluctantly letting go of the winger.

https://twitter.com/FLeagueWorld/status/986589415517687814

Although Manning seems to be progressing at QPR, Celtic would offer him a greater platform. Not only would he have a great chance of adding silverware to his CV, playing in the Champions League would be an exciting new chapter in the youngster’s career.

Crystal Palace are also said to be tracking Manning.

It remains to be seen if Brendan Rodgers follows through on the reported interest but the Northern Irish coach will be heavily expected to invest in new talent if he loses Kieran Tierney – and Manning could fit the bill as the Hoops plan for next season’s Champions League.

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