Airdrie boss Ian Murray has urged French star Thomas Robert to stay in North Lanarkshire amid interest from Celtic, Dundee United and many others.
Reports circulated at the start of the week that Celtic, Dundee United, Hearts, Hibs, Rangers and a host of English teams were looking at the 20-year-old Frenchman, who has shone for the Diamonds.
Celtic have even gone as far as scouting him personally, watching him in Airdrie matches against East Fife and Montrose. Robert arrived at the Penny Cars Stadium from Ligue 1 outfit Montpellier in the summer.
The French side wanted to extend his stay in the French top flight but Robert opted to leave for senior experience. He has since scooped a League One Player of the Month award as he hits form.
A clearly talented wideman, interest was always going to pop up eventually. But Airdrie manager Murray says that Robert should choose his side over the likes of Celtic, Dundee United and more.
“If someone is desperate for him and puts in an offer, then what can we do,” said Murray. “We are football club developing young players and it’s great for us, but there’s nothing we can do.
“On the flip side, he can still be here if someone wants to buy him and loan him back. He needs to be in an environment that he is really happy with and safe in because he’s had a big move over from France, away from his family.
“He is a young man coming to Scotland – and amid Covid, which hasn’t helped anyone – so it has been tough. Does he need more upheaval of going somewhere else at this time?
“At this time, I would say absolutely not. But I’m speaking as the manager of Airdrie, who wants the best players on my team. He might see things totally differently.”
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