Alan Nixon has dropped a big update regarding Celtic's bid to bring Riley McGree to Parkhead in the January transfer window.

What's the talk?

In a recent post on Twitter, The Sun journalist revealed that, despite previous reports suggesting that Celtic were closing in on a deal to sign the Charlotte FC midfielder, Middlesbrough are also very much in the running for the 23-year-old this month, with Chris Wilder's side believed to be pushing very hard to tie up a £2m deal for the Australia international.

In his tweet, Nixon said: "Boro want him. Been trying to agree [a] fee. Celtic joined in at weekend. £2m gets him. Boro trying hard."

Fans will be sweating

When taking into account just how eager Ange Postecoglou appears to be in trying to get a deal over the line for McGree this winter, in addition to the fact that Celtic could very much use further additions in the middle of the park ahead of the restart of the Premiership season, the news that Middlesbrough are also pushing very hard to get a deal done for the midfielder this month is sure to have left the Parkhead faithful sweating.

Indeed, the Daily Record recently reported that the 56-year-old manager personally involved himself in the negotiations with the 23-year-old, in what now looks to be an attempt to convince the £540k-rated man of a switch to Glasgow rather than making a move to a club south of the border.

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Furthermore, with the likes of James McCarthy, Ismaila Soro, Dane Murray, Liam Shaw and even Celtic veteran Nir Bitton all struggling for regular game time under the management of the Greek-Australian coach so far this season, it is clear to see that the Bhoys boss does not particularly believe that the club's strength in depth in the middle of the park is up to the standard required for a title charge in the current campaign.

As such, the news that Middlesbrough appear to very much be an option for McGree this January is sure to have come as a major blow to both Postecoglou and his Celtic side, as the signing of a midfielder who the 56-year-old clearly has a great deal of faith in would certainly make a very welcome addition at Parkhead ahead of the restart of the Premiership season later this month.

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