This is a transfer story that has been rumbling on since the summer.

With his contract slowly, but surely entering into it’s last six months, Siriki Dembele will become one of the hottest properties this January as teams attempt to court his signature.

But, according to a report in The Daily Record, Peterborough chairman Darragh McAnthony has warned that his star player is not for sale but rather strangely seemed to suggest that Dembele is not as important to the team as many may think, “He’s not in the shop window.

“We are not actively looking to sell him in January so any clubs who think it’s ‘bargain city’ as he only has six months left on his contract can think again.

“It wouldn’t be worth it to a club of our size with our owners.

“Josh King had six months left on his contract last January and he went for £10 million (Bournemouth to Everton).

“Now, if a club offered us a premium price of say £7 million with add ons we would have a decision to make, but if he did go we have plans B and C in place to cope.

“Opposition teams will all treat Siriki as one of our biggest dangers, but it’s not all about him.

“Our season doesn’t depend on his presence.”

It IS a rather strange comment to make.

What club is going to offer anywhere near the price McAnthony is looking for after that claim and what message does it send to the player?

With thirteen appearances and four goals to his name, Dembele is in decent form this season but after these comments by his chairman, it will be interesting to see of this affects the forward mans performances.

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Just a few days ago, the news broke of Celtic’s interest in Brazilian defensive midfielder Fernando Henrique.

As the Hoops look to strengthen the squad in January, the key area of the team that James McCarthy was clearly brought in to bolster remains a worry for Ange Postecoglou with the midfielder’s continuing battle with injury rumbling on.

Celtic do face stiff competition for the youngster’s signature with interest from The City Group and the Saudi team Al Ain, but it is thought that contact has already been made by the Hoops to Henrique’s representatives.

A report has emerged from Brazilian media outlet, Radar Esportes, that should excite Celtic fans and put Ange on red alert where they make a claim about where Henrique’s future lies beyond this season, “Alongside this agony of not knowing if it will still be in series A next season, the Grêmio board has the mission of managing the squad that will be available to coach Vagner Mancini.

“Many athletes were not used by Luiz Felipe Scolari and must be evaluated by the new technical committee.

“This is the case of the young Fernando Henrique, only 20 years old, who was practically touched by the former coach and may have more chances from now on, but it is not certain that he will stay for next year.”

So it does look like Gremio have resigned themselves to losing their star man next season and the only question is, will Celtic steal a march on the rest of the interested parties and capture his signature first?

This article was originally posted here