Premier League Pair Crystal Palace And West Bromwich Albion In Hot Pursuit Of Efe Ambrose

Premier League pair Crystal Palace and West Bromwich Albion are reportedly weighing up a move for Celtic defender Efe Ambrose. The 24-year-old helped the Hoops enjoy a memorable run in the Champions League last season, playing 49 times as Neil Lennon’s side retained their Scottish Premier League crown.

Ambrose’s impressive displays during that campaign, as well as at the last Africa Cup of Nations in South Africa, where he helped the Super Eagles to their first continental crown since 1994, have alerted Palace and the Baggies, who are ready to test Celtic’s resolve with a summer offer for the central defender, according to England-based newspaper The Mirror.

Hoops boss Lennon is thought to view the Nigerian defender as integral to his plans at Celtic Park, after losing Victor Wanyama and Gary Hooper during the close season.

Palace in particular are actively seeking new recruits in all areas before the Premier League gets underway in 10 days, with the Eagles primed to make a formal enquiry for Ambrose.

However, the Nigerian insists he is happy to stay with the Hoops despite all the interest from the Premier League stressing that he has no intention of leaving the Scottish champions.

He said, “I’m very flattered by the mention that I’m wanted by a number of teams. But I am a Celtic player and I am committed to the club.

“It is always expected that after such a successful season, winning titles with your club and country, there will be reports saying you’re being watched by this club or that club. But I’m focused on helping Celtic do well this season. I believe the team can do even better than last season.”

Ambrose has been capped 28 times by Nigeria and looks set to add to that when the Super Eagles take on South Africa later this month to honour former South African President Nelson Mandela.

And the former Kaduna United ace can’t wait to don the green and white of Nigeria against the 1996 Africa Cup of Nations champions.

He said, “It is always a joy for me to play for my country, and it will be massive playing for Nigeria in recognition of a great man like Nelson Mandela.”