Major boost in Celtic’s transfer chase for Shane Duffy

Celtic have received a major boost in their  transfer chase for Shane Duffy, as it has become very clear that the club need a new centre-back.

By this point, it is pretty clear that a new centre-back is pretty much at the top of Celtic’s transfer wishlist. Firstly, the club have not yet replaced the already departed Jozo Simunovic. Secondly, over the past year or so, neither Jullien nor Ajer have shown the ability to deal with a physical strikers. And there’s a few of those in Scotland.

Pair that with the recent rumour that Ajer might still be looking to leave the club and it becomes even more important that the Hoops wrap up the deal of a new central defender soon. And most Celtic fans would want that to be Shane Duffy.

The Republic of Ireland international has shown that he is capable of taking on Premier League quality strikers and his no nonsense style is something that this Celtic team could benefit from. While a £2 million loan fee has been touted, it looks like the Hoops would be willing to pay that considering 10IAR is on the line.

It might be the fact that Duffy is a boyhood Celtic fan which might end up being the driving force behind this move. As reported by the Irish Mirror, he seems to be pushing for the move:

"Republic of Ireland defender Shane Duffy has reportedly made moving to Celtic this summer his priority, though things could be complicated by the Champions League elimination.Manager Neil Lennon is looking to reinforce his backline and has confirmed that initial talks have taken place with the rugged stopper.Celtic are Duffy’s preferred choice as he grew up supporting the club in his native Ireland, reports The Daily Record.West Ham United and West Bromwich Albion are providing competition though and Wednesday’s Champions League elimination could impact any potential deal.Reaching the group stages would have provided Celtic with a financial boost but they will now drop into the Europa League."

If true, this is brilliant news. Lennon’s outburst might have been a bad idea on the part on the manager but it also shows how important it is for the players to know the importance of 10IAR and not consider this as just another season. Thankfully, Duffy will if he becomes a Celtic player.