Stuart Kettlewell isn’t stressing over the future of striker Theo Bair but admits a ‘big money’ bid would push him towards a Motherwell exit.
The Athletic reported earlier this month that Celtic are one of the teams showing interest in the Canadian international, who is currently at the Copa America tournament with Bhoys defender Alistair Johnston.
Bair had a very productive debut season with the Steelmen, scoring 15 goals and assisting six more in the Scottish Premiership.
That’s understandably put him on the radar of many clubs eyeing a potential bargain signing to bolster their squads.
Kettlewell says Motherwell have received bids for the player but none of them have come from Celtic yet.
Stuart Kettlewell’s latest update on Theo Bair amid Celtic links
The manager said [Daily Record]: “There’s been plenty of concrete interest in Theo. There’s been a couple of concrete bids from clubs in two of Europe’s top five leagues. I won’t name the clubs or countries but they have not been from inside Scotland.
“Theo’s out at the Copa America with Canada. But he’s a Motherwell player and has another year on his contract. He’s very much ours until someone puts something in front of us that we can’t refuse.
“We’ve loved working with him, we’d love that to continue. But sometimes that situation is outwith your control if somebody offers big money.
“We bring players like Theo in to develop them and try to catch the attention of big clubs that have deep pockets. That’s how the wheel keeps turning for Motherwell.”
It’s been said the bid turned down by the Fir Park side was in the region of £750,000, so it’s likely they’re looking for a healthy seven-figure fee before considering the 24-year-old’s sale.
Celtic could well be in the market for a depth option in attack with interest shown in Hyeongyu Oh.
Ideally, the Bhoys would have three central options and Bair could fit the bill as that third man given his Premiership exploits last term. It’s a situation to watch over the coming weeks.