Celtic are reportedly plotting a summer swoop for Celtic’s highly rated left-back Kieran Tierney
According to a report in the Daily Mail, Kieran Tierney is the subject of interest of Chelsea, who are considering making a move for him in the summer transfer window. The highly-rated Celtic defender has also attracted the attention of Arsenal and Manchester United.
Tierney has emerged as one of the most exciting young talents in Britain ever since rapidly progressing through the ranks at Celtic before making the grade in the senior setup. Still only 19, Tierney is already into his second full season with the Bhoys and is also a full-fledged Scottish international.
And after enjoying a breakthrough campaign last season, the teenager has gone from strength to strength in 2016/17, amassing 37 appearances across all competitions.
What is especially impressive about Tierney is that he has made an impact on both ends of the pitch, proving to be reliable at the back while at the same time being a threatening presence in the final third. The numbers prove that as well, with youngster scoring twice in addition to providing 12 assists.
A stellar 2016/17 has also seen him earn a nomination to become the PFA Scottish Young Player of the Year. And as he continues to make a name for himself under the tutelage of Brendan Rodgers, it is not surprising that Tierney is starting to attract the attention from some of the biggest clubs in England.
Arsenal and Manchester United have been heavily linked with the teenager, but Chelsea have now emerged as the front-runners to secure his services in the summer, with Antonio Conte keen to bring in reinforcements across various positions when the transfer window opens in June.
Defence is a top priority for the Chelsea boss, and the left wing-back slot, in particular, is a position that has presented him some concerns. That is because Marcos Alonso is the only recognised option at left wing-back for Conte, and with the Blues set to compete on all four fronts next season, he will need at least two at his disposal.
The Italian tactician has previously tried to deploy Pedro and Cesar Azpilicueta as makeshift left wing-backs but neither have managed to be nearly as influential on the left side as they have been in their preferred positions.
The possible recruitment of Tierney – whose adeptness to play as left-back as well as a winger makes him a perfect fit at wing back, thus, gives Conte an additional option to fall back on. Additionally, at 19, the Scottish international has his entire career ahead of him, which makes him a long-term solution for Chelsea.
Celtic, however, are reluctant to let go of their best talents, as Brendan Rodgers aims to build a strong side. The report, however, suggests that a fee of £17 million could tempt the Scottish giants into letting go of Tierney in the summer, and it remains to be seen if Chelsea are willing to pay that price for him.
