Premier League midfielder reveals club blocked Celtic move

James Morrison has revealed that West Brom rejected an approach from Celtic late on transfer deadline day for him.

The West Brom midfielder has been one of their most consistent players in recent years – winning the Player of the Year award the season before last.

At 30 years of age, Morrison was seeking first-team football and a loan move to Celtic was something he was open to, especially with the lure of Champions League football.

As quoted by the Herald Scotland, he said:

It was just an enquiry, that was all. Obviously, I am not playing at my club at the moment and there was an enquiry. But the club said no.

With my position at the minute I would definitely have considered it. But it didn’t happen so I am just looking forward to trying to get back into the team.

The last day of the window was the first time I had heard of it. My first goal is to get back playing regularly for my club again and try and force my way back into the Scotland team.

Since recovering from a recurring hamstring injury, Morrison has been frozen out of the team by Tony Pulis, making just two appearances against Crystal Palace and Northampton.

Morrison has made 280 appearances since signing for West Brom in the summer of 2007, and has scored 33 goals and provided 34 assists.

Brendan Rodgers was in the market for a creative midfielder, and Morrison seemingly fit the bill for the Hoops, but his enquiry was turned down by the Baggies.

The Celtic manager, along with many of the fans, were hoping to see another midfielder added to the ranks before last week’s deadline, but no move materialised.

With the international break now over, Celtic will begin preparations for their game against newly promoted side Rangers before a trip to face Barcelona in the Champions League in midweek.