Everton are reportedly pushing for Celtic defender Kieran Tierney.
Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers has told The Scottish Sun that he had a ‘long chat’ with left back Kieran Tierney about keeping his focus amid links to Everton.
Tierney, 21, has become a star for Celtic over the last three years, as he quickly ousted out Emilio Izaguirre as the Bhoys’ first-choice left back after coming up through the ranks.
The Isle of Man-born defender grew up supporting Celtic and joined the club way back in 2005, and has been living out his dream in recent years.
Tierney not only has 130 appearances for Celtic to his name, including 27 in Europe, but he has also won three league titles, two cups and two league cups in a superb spell.
With nine caps for Scotland too, Tierney is integral for club and country – but his performances have been attracting huge interest, with Everton now lurking.
The Daily Mail report that Everton are set to launch a £25million bid for Tierney as they seek Leighton Baines’ successor, and with Tottenham also thought to be keen, Celtic may struggle to keep Tierney this summer.
Tierney committed an uncharacteristic error as lost 1-0 to Bohemians Prague on Saturday, and his manager Brendan Rodgers has now discussed the transfer situation facing his top talent.
Rodgers has told The Scottish Sun that he thinks Tierney is still committed to Celtic, but the pair have had a ‘long chat’ about keeping the focus on Celtic and keeping himself fit rather than letting the Everton rumours get to him.
“Kieran is very committed. Nothing changes,” said Rodgers. “He is a good boy and I had a long chat with him just about keeping his focus really. You can’t control these things. You just need to stay focused on keeping yourself fit and ready for the games. If something comes in, fine. He just needs to go out and concentrate,” he added.
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