Somebody asked who I’d sign for Celtic. I’d go for Tyrhys Dolan,' Mulgrew

While former Celtic player Charlie Mulgrew gave the move his public backing during an appearance on Go Radio yesterday, financial realities may make a deal challenging for Celtic.

“Somebody asked who I’d sign for Celtic. I’d go for Tyrhys Dolan,” said Mulgrew.

“He’s out of contract at Blackburn. Winger. Class player. Came through there, looked brilliant last year. His deal’s up, I’d absolutely go and get him.”

Mulgrew’s comments are little more than his own assertion that Dolan could add pace and creativity to Celtic’s wide attacking options. The 23-year-old impressed for Blackburn in the English Championship last season and now finds himself at a career crossroads after his contract expired this summer. Reports earlier in the window, including from The Herald’s Stephen McGowan Celtic and Rangers monitoring standout Championship winger | The Herald, had already linked both Celtic and theRangers with interest in Dolan. But any hopes of a straightforward move may have been complicated by increasing competition. According to Football League World Exclusive: Celtic, Rangers and Bristol City face Espanyol fight to sign ex-Blackburn Rovers star, Espanyol have now entered the fray alongside several Championship clubs, including Bristol City, in pursuit of Dolan. The outlet also reaffirms Celtic’s historical interest in the winger, but the growing list of suitors raises questions about whether Celtic would wish to remain realistic contenders for his signature. While Dolan is available on a free transfer, this does not necessarily make the deal any easier. In fact, out-of-contract players often become more expensive propositions. With no transfer fee required, agents tend to push for higher salaries or lucrative signing on fees and bonuses for their clients, viewing it, understandably, as an opportunity to maximise earnings.

It’s a familiar challenge for Celtic, in terms of their wage model. The situation with Dolan may still to be monitored from a distance, but more likely with a ‘keep us informed’ stance rather than any active pursuit. If Dolan remains unsigned deeper into the window and his demands lower as options narrow, Celtic could yet return with a concrete offer. But as things stand, this may be one that stays on the back burner. For now, Brendan Rodgers and the Celtic recruitment team appear focused on other priorities, and in the case of Dolan that is probably the right approach. Tyrhys Dolan remains a name to watch out for, especially if other clubs drop out of the race. But unless wage expectations fall significantly, the chances of seeing the talented winger at Celtic Park may remain just that, a possibility, rather than a probability – even if Charlie Mulgrew’s assessment of Dolan’s talent is spot on.