Chris Sutton reckons Stuart Armstrong would be an ideal signing for Celtic this summer.
The Scottish internationalist was released by Southampton following their promotion to the English Premier League, which has put several clubs on alert at landing the midfielder on a free transfer.
Celtic could be poised to lose Matt O'Riley during the coming months as he continues to attract interest while Sutton thinks the Scottish Premiership champions have never fully replaced Aaron Mooy, who announced his surprised retirement aged just 32 last year.
While Armstrong wouldn't fit the development model that Parkhead chiefs are aiming to use, he would provide much needed experience. Plus, wouldn't take time to bed into life back in the Scottish top-flight having piled his trade with Dundee United and Celtic during the earlier stages of his career.
“Armstrong is a free agent and that could balance out some of the issues over wages," Sutton said in his Daily Record column.
"But he is another one who won’t be short of offers this summer. He has been a very good player for Southampton and I’d expect a queue of clubs at the top end of the Championship who would love to have him on board.
“Armstrong might be 32 years old now, but he looks after himself and has plenty left in the tank. He would be a very good signing for Celtic, perhaps one that could fill the void left by Aaron Mooy last year. I’ve said before that we shouldn’t assume Matt O’Riley is going, but Celtic will still need another attacking midfielder.
“Talks are ongoing with Paulo Bernardo and if they can land him from Benfica at a knockdown price, then it would be smart business. As for Armstrong, a ready-made player would be an attractive prospect, especially on a free, but is he someone the club would push the boat out to land?
“He’s not a player that fits the young developmental model, but you do need to add experience at times – like we saw with Joe Hart.”
