Celtic were linked with Bristol City left-back Joe Bryan but now Leeds United, Middlesbrough and Hull City may have moved ahead in the pecking order.
With the future of long-serving Honduran Emilio Izaguirre coming under question earlier in the season, it made sense for Celtic to drawn up a list shortlist of players capable of challenging Kieran Tierney in Brendan Rodgers’ squad.
However, when Izaguirre finally signed a new contract in May, committing himself to the club for one more season, it appeared that there would be no need for a new left-back to be on the radar at Parkhead.
Izaguirre is distinctly second choice at Celtic these days
Yet, it appears that a summer move cannot be ruled out just yet. As reported by the Scottish Sun, Rodgers has admitted that the 30-year-old, may be set for the exit after all despite publically stating a desire to remain in Glasgow for three more seasons.
“He’s come back in and been training. There’s maybe an opportunity for him to go elsewhere outside of Europe,” Rodgers said. “It’s something we’ll speak with him and his agent about and then we’ll take it from there.”
The problem, however, is that a number of the left-backs tipped to replace Izaguirre at Parkhead now look beyond Celtic’s reach. Charlie Taylor, the former Leeds United prospect who was linked by The Sun (page 64, 24th June) has signed a contract with Burnley.
Meanwhile, Hasan Ali Kaldirim, who was reportedly a target in January, per the Scottish Sun, now looks likely to remain with Fenerbahce.
Therefore, you wonder whether Celtic could consider renewing their interest in Bristol City full-back Joe Bryan. The Mirror claimed last month that Rodgers was keen on a player who stood out in the Championship last season for a struggling Robins’ side.
Bryan has spent his entire career at Bristol City
A sturdy defender, excellent in attack and blessed with the intelligence to play in an orthodox back four or as a wing-back, Bryan would be a fine alternative to Tierney.
However, Celtic must move quickly with HITC sources telling us that Leeds United, Middlesbrough and Hull City are interested. Yet, though he would be far from first choice at Parkhead, Champions League football and domestic trophies should appeal.
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