This article is part of Football FanCast's Transfer Focus series, which provides opinion and analysis on recent transfer news...

Celtic have had an attempt to offload Olivier Ntcham to Bordeaux turned down, with the Celts hoping to get rid of their midfielder in this transfer window, according to 20 Minutes.

What's the story?

The Frenchman has made no secret of his desire to leave Parkhead this summer, but things had been beginning to look up for Ntcham in Glasgow. The central midfielder started the league win over Motherwell and the crushing defeat to Cluj, and it now looks as if the club are actively trying to end his time at Celtic Park.

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Per the report, the Ligue 1 side turned down Celtic's approach as they're looking for a more experienced player than the 23-year-old.

Ntcham's time in Scotland has been tumultuous, starting well after signing from Manchester City, but playing poorly last season after a move to Porto failed to materialise.

The 23-year-old has a Hoops contract until 2022, so it's somewhat surprising to see the reported figure involved in a potential deal with Bordeaux is a measly €4m (£3.7m).

Celtic simply must hold on

While you can understand why Neil Lennon and the Celtic board may want rid of the wantaway ace, holding off selling him until next summer may be a better plan of action. Ntcham could yet have a big part to play in the club's fortunes this campaign, so keeping him for the next 12 months would make sense.

We've seen Scott Brown look a shell of his former self a few times already this season, so the 23-year-old could take his place in the side more often than he did in the last campaign. Similarly, he could be in for some more game time as a number ten, with Tom Rogic perpetually injured and Ryan Christie only just getting used to his role as a key player in the side.

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If Ntcham were to get a run in the side then there's no reason why he can't rediscover his form from his debut season in the Premiership. If this were to happen then you can bet the club will get more than the paltry €4m they want for him next summer.

Keeping the Frenchman is a win-win. Ntcham will have better clubs shopping for his services after another good season, Neil Lennon will get a versatile player who can help cover both the central midfield and number ten positions, and the club will surely be able to scoop up more than the meagre sum currently being reported.

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