Celtic are considering a £6m transfer for Crystal Palace midfielder Justin Devenny. The Scottish champions' interest, reported by the Daily Record, comes as the transfer window enters its final hours.
Justin Devenny, 22, has found first-team opportunities limited at Selhurst Park this season. The Northern Ireland international has made 60 senior appearances for Palace, winning the FA Cup and Conference League, but his path is currently blocked. Crystal Palace's own start to the Premier League season has been difficult, sitting 19th with zero points from two games and a goal difference of minus five. They have scored just once while conceding six, leaving them six points adrift of leaders Manchester City ahead of their next match against Fulham.
Why are Celtic interested in Justin Devenny?
Celtic manager Martin O'Neill has openly stated the need for new signings. "We're still trying to get some players in, we would need a few in obviously to supplement the squad," O'Neill said. "I'm hoping that we can get some people in before the transfer deadline." Midfield is a specific area of concern for the club, which has yet to replace the departed Arne Engels. Interest in Devenny is separate from Celtic's pursuit of PSV's Joel van den Berg, and the club would ideally like to sign two midfielders, especially with Reo Hatate potentially departing.
Devenny offers versatility, being primarily a midfielder but also proven at wing-back. He is a homegrown product who came through at Kilmarnock before signing for Airdrie in 2022 and then moving to Crystal Palace. His big-game mentality is not in doubt, having scored the winning penalty against Liverpool in the Community Shield. He also has 14 caps for Northern Ireland.
What is the timeline for the potential deal?
The transfer deadline runs until 5pm on Thursday. However, for Celtic to register Devenny for their Europa League campaign, any deal would need to be completed by 11pm on Wednesday night. This creates a tight schedule for negotiations. Crystal Palace may be more willing to consider offers given Devenny's reduced role and their need to focus on improving their own league position, which you can track on our standings page.
Who else is interested in the Palace player?
Celtic are not alone in monitoring Devenny's situation. The report also credits Middlesbrough, Leicester City, Southampton, Preston North End, and Italian side Cagliari with an interest. This competition could accelerate the process or increase the financial demands on any suitor. For Palace, managing the squad amid injuries to players like Chadi Riad and Ismaïla Sarr, listed on our injuries page, is a parallel priority.
What does this mean for Crystal Palace?
A potential £6m sale would represent a significant return on a squad player. For a Crystal Palace side struggling at the foot of the table, every decision in this window carries extra weight. Offloading a player who is not currently in the plans could free up resources, but the focus must quickly return to the pitch. The team's immediate task is to prepare for their upcoming fixtures, starting with a crucial trip to face Fulham as they desperately seek their first points of the campaign.
