Source: Daily_Mail
Hamilton striker McCarthy too costly for Parkhead boss Mowbray
Tony Mowbray insisted on Friday night the £2million chase for James McCarthy was too rich for Celtic because the Hamilton starlet was not guaranteed to make an immediate first-team impact.
Prior to Mowbray's arrival as manager this summer, the Parkhead club had an offer - understood to be £250,000 up front with £250,000 to follow - for the self-confessed Celtic fan rejected by Accies.
Those figures make up only a tiny fraction of what English Premier League clubs are now willing to pay for the 18-year-old midfielder.
Wigan and Wolves have had bids potentially worth in excess of £2m accepted, while Tottenham have now also emerged as competitors for his signature.
Teenage kicks: Hamilton James McCarthy is set to miss out on a dream move to SPL giants Celtic
The Republic of Ireland Under-21 international now has a number of options to weigh up.
But, while respectful of his talent, Mowbray feels it is too much money for Celtic to spend on potential in their current position.
'I'm pretty aware this club did make an offer for McCarthy, however many months ago it was,' said Mowbray. 'I don't know the exact amount but, if you multiply it by 10, you probably get closer to where it's at now.
Hoop for the future? New Celtic boss Tony Mowbray insists the 18-year-old is too expensive as he is unlikely to make an immediate first team impact
'Thinking back to my previous club, West Bromwich Albion, it was my job to look at all players who come on the radar.
'I haven't seen James McCarthy play live but I have watched him on DVD - I have watched him and studied him. 'I think the amount of money, for where we are at as a club at the moment, is probably too rich.
'That's my thoughts for a boy who, although he is a very talented individual, I don't see him coming in for that sort of money and making a massive and immediate impact.
'I would never question he has great potential to become a very, very talented football player.
'It's just whether you have got the funds to speculate down the line. England's Premier League clubs have that sort of money to speculate, with a few million to bring a very talented football player to the football club.
'Personally, at this moment, I would rather spend the money on trying to get the finished product on the pitch if we could.'
Celtic, who yesterday drew Dynamo Moscow in their Champions League qualifier, also unveiled Cameroon international midfielder Landry N'Guemo, their loan signing from French club Nancy.
Mowbray has dipped further into the French market to take Le Havre forward Amadou Alassane on trial at Parkhead.
'Alassane is just a young player and the opportunity came for us to have a look at him,' added Mowbray.
'He comes from Le Havre, which is a club that has produced many, many good football players over the last decade or so. It is a club renowned for producing talent.
'He will come here for a few days and we will assess whether we want to do anything in the future. But it is pretty low key at the moment.
'He will not be playing against Cardiff City next Wednesday.
'We are just looking at how he flows and how he moves. It's a good opportunity for us to see a young boy who is doing well in French football.' Spurs bid to clutch Irish youngster McCarthy from the jaws of WolvesCeltic handed mission to Moscow for tricky Champions League qualifierCeltic chairman Reid in rage as SPL endorses cut-price £65m TV dealCELTIC FC
