McCourt On Verge Of Signing Hoops Extension

Blackpool look like missing out on one of their main transfer targets this summer following reports that Northern Irish winger Patrick McCourt has agreed to extend his contract with Celtic.

'Pool first became interested in the player last January and were on the verge of signing him on loan, only for then Celtic manager Tony Mowbray to pull the plug at the last minute.

The Seasiders maintained their interest over the following months though and following promotion to the Premier League, manager Ian Holloway made the international one of his main targets, speaking himself of the need to add quality down the flacks that could unlock defences.

'Pool have spent the last few weeks haggling over a fee with Celtic for the player, but whether Celtic's demands were too high or whether the 'Pool simply continued to refuse to spend money (both are themes of this summer) are unclear and at this stage irrelevant as it appears that McCourt has chosen warming the bench at Parkhead over first team football in the Premier League - the ultimate shop window.

McCourt's new contract - should he sign it - will keep him at Celtic until 2013.

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