Celtic are paying close attention to the situation of Lee Buchanan in case Derby County stand down and decide to sell the defender this summer, according to the Daily Record.
Rams boss Wayne Rooney is adamant the Pride Park natives will not sell their most prized assets in the off-season. The Championship outfit are under an EFL transfer embargo, that restricts them to six-month loans or free agents on one-year contracts within a wage limit.
Buchanan has attracted significant interest over recent months after breaking through and establishing himself in Derbyshire. The £2,000-per-week full-back made his senior debut in August 2019 but only made five league outings that season. He then made 35 last term.
Nottingham Forest are keen on Buchanan, but Celtic have joined the City Ground outfit in tracking the Derby talent. The 20-year-old has caught the Hoops’ scouts’ attention as Ange Postecoglou targets defensive signings, with fellow Rams star Nathan Byrne also wanted.
Buchanan has proven an attractive option for the Glasgow giants as he can play at centre-half, as well as his natural left-back role. He can also play a more advanced wide midfield position, and offered three assists in the Championship last season.
But Celtic could face competition from Arsenal, as well, with the Daily Mail reporting in May interest from north London. Buchanan is an interesting case for many clubs as he is in the final year of his Rams contract, although Rooney’s side have a 12-month extension option.
Celtic are waiting to see if Derby stand down and decide to sell Buchanan so they can strengthen Postecoglou’s ranks. The Hoops begin their Premiership season this weekend against Hearts, after a must-win Champions League qualifying trip to Midtjylland.
Celtic can sign a player getting better and better in Derby star Buchanan
Postecoglou could face strong competition for Buchanan, but Celtic can sign a player on the up in the Derby product. The Rams supporters named the full-back as their Young Player of the Year last season, so impressive was his campaign.
The 20-year-old dynamo started 28 of his 35 Championship appearances, while also making his England U21 debut in November. Rooney, meanwhile, stated in February, via Derbyshire Live, that he expects Buchanan will soon make his senior international debut.
“Buchanan has got a really bright future and I am sure he will play for England within the next couple of years,” said the Derby boss of the Celtic target. “He is getting better every game. The small sides of the game he needs to improve, he is improving on massively.”
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
