Celtic plot £6m transfer swoop for in-demand Crystal Palace star as European deadline could fast-track deal

Celtic are considering a late move for Crystal Palace midfielder Justin Devenny as manager Martin O’Neill looks to strengthen his squad before the transfer window closes.

The Hoops are understood to be weighing up a potential £6 million deal for the versatile 22-year-old, who has enjoyed a rapid rise at Selhurst Park after beginning his senior career in Scotland.

O’Neill has already intimated that Celtic are still working on new additions before Thursday’s deadline, with midfield an obvious priority as they look to identify a direct replacement for Arne Engels.

There also remains uncertainty surrounding Reo Hatate’s future, which has left the Hoops looking for further options in the middle of the park as they tool up for the remainder of the season.

PSV Eindhoven midfielder Joel van den Berg has been linked with a move to Glasgow’s east end, but Devenny has now emerged as another name under consideration by the Celtic hierarchy.

According to The Herald, Celtic are ‘contemplating’ a bid for the Northern Ireland international, whose first-team opportunities have become more limited in recent times.

Devenny has already enjoyed some memorable moments during his time in south London. He was part of the Palace side that lifted the FA Cup and Conference League, before taking centre stage in the Community Shield by converting the winning penalty against Liverpool.

However, the door now appears open for a move away and Celtic are not alone in monitoring his situation. It’s claimed that Middlesbrough, Leicester City, Southampton, Preston North End and Cagliari have all expressed an interest in Devenny.

A return north of the border would provide Celtic with an additional benefit when it comes to squad registration. Devenny came through the Kilmarnock youth system before moving on to Airdrie in 2022, meaning he would satisfy a homegrown requirement.

His development since leaving Scotland has been impressive. After making the move to Palace, he has gone on to make 60 senior appearances for the club and has established himself as a player capable of operating in a number of positions. While midfield is his natural role, he has also demonstrated his versatility by filling in at wing-back for Palace.

The timing of any potential deal could prove crucial for Celtic. While the domestic transfer deadline is not until 5pm on Thursday, the club would need to complete the necessary paperwork by 11pm on Wednesday if they want Devenny to be eligible for their Europa League squad.

Celtic's interest Devenny is also understood to be separate from their pursuit of Van den Berg. The Hoops would ideally like to add two midfielders before the window closes, particularly if Hatate departs.

O’Neill has been increasingly open about the need for reinforcements and reiterated that message following Celtic’s 2-1 victory over Falkirk on Saturday afternoon.

“We're still trying to get some players in, we would need a few in obviously to supplement the squad,” the Celtic boss said. “I'm hoping that we can get some people in before the transfer deadline.”