Join thousands of fans who have signed up to our Celtic newsletter. Subscribe Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email

Seething Celtic last night hit David Turnbull with a take it or leave it ultimatum after the Motherwell ace rejected a bumper deal worth more than ten grand a week.

Record Sport Online yesterday revealed the proposed £3.25m deal was on the verge of collapse after the player’s agent snubbed an offer of four-year contract worth MORE than Champions League Final superstars Virgil van Dijk and Victor Wanyama pocketed when they pitched up at Parkhead.

Hoops chiefs were left fuming at agent Liam O’Donnell after the snub as the player was touted to clubs in England to spark a wage bidding war.

Championship Barnsley were in the frame for the youngster before Celtic pounced but Record Sport understands no fresh offers have landed at Fir Park.

The Hoops are the only side to talk terms and they are refusing to budge, however, after tabling an offer more than TEN times the weekly pay packet the midfielder was picking up at Fir Park.

(Image: SNS Group)

Turnbull, contrary to reports elsewhere, was not in Glasgow yesterday for a medical but Celts had hoped to conclude personal terms with a view to unveiling the playmaker early next week.

That plan is close to being dead in the water after the eight-in-a-row champs issues a stinging statement warning Turnbull and his agent they will NOT be making an increased offer and are prepared to walk away from the deal.

The release said: “Celtic was pleased to agree a record-breaking fee with Motherwell FC for David Turnbull and we have quickly followed this up with a fantastic offer to the player through his agent.

“Currently, we have been unable to come to an agreement with the player’s agent.

“Celtic FC is content that it has made a magnificent offer and it is now up to the agent and player to decide if the player wants to join Celtic.

“If not, we move on.”

Celtic are remaining firm but they are keen to avoid a repeat of last summer’s transfer sage surrounding John McGinn, when they eventually lost out on the midfielder when he was snapped up from Hibs by Aston Villa.

Twelve months ago Celts eventually matched the English side’s £2.5m offer following two rejected bids, but the Scotland star had already made his mind up to move south having been given the VIP treatment at Villa Park.

(Image: SNS)

The Hoops insist the Turnbull situation is entirely different however, as they are the only club to match the asking price.

Turnbull’s future has been left in limbo as he is due to report back to Fir Park later next week – while Well have been left sweating on a club record transfer fee.

The Steelmen were already making plans for the cash, with boss Stephen Robinson keen to strengthen his side and make new contract offers, while the board had also earmarked some of the kitty to go towards clearing off long term debts to former benefactor Les Hutchinson.

The deal is in the balance but Celtic are continuing the push to bolster their squad ahead of the upcoming Champions League qualifiers.

Hoops boss Neil Lennon is keen on £2.8m rated Sheffield United full back George Baldock as well as £8m Toulouse centre back Christopher Jullien, while Bolton kid Luca Connell remains a target although the champions will have to wait for Bolton’s administrators to hand over the keys to the Reebok to the club’s new owners.

Parkhead players are due to report for pre-season training on Monday – with the international stars expected back towards the weekend – with the European draw taking place on Tuesday ahead of the first legs on July 10/11.