Lens reportedly listen to Jean-Kevin Duverne offers; should Celtic reignite interest?

Scottish Premiership champions Celtic were first linked with RC Lens centre-back Jean-Kevin Duverne a year ago while Newcastle United were also interested.

Despite securing the signing of experienced German Marvin Compper from RB Leipzig, the BBC states that Scottish Premiership champions Celtic are still keen to add another centre-half to their squad in January.

So reports in BeIN Sports that their 2016 target Jean-Kevin Duverne is up for sale may just give Brendan Rodgers food for thought.

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Mercato365 reported almost a year ago to the day that Celtic were interested in the latest defensive prodigy to emerge from France with Duverne earning rave reviews for his performances with Ligue 2 side RC Lens.

The 20-year-old has been compared to compatriot and former Lens starlet Raphael Varane for his classy, ball-playing style – but told France Football back in 2016 that it is the Frenchman’s Real Madrid partner Sergio Ramos that he looks up to.

And 12 months after reports emerged of Celtic’s interest, BeIN Sports claim that Lens will sell Duverne in January if they receive an ‘attractive offer’.

Reports had suggested that Celtic made a £5 million offer and, although the Hoops rejected such a story, BeIN Sports stands by suggestions that Rodgers’ side put a deal on the table.

But if Lens are willing to listen to offers, it is unlikely that Celtic would be the only interested party. Duverne has been linked with a number of Premier League clubs in recent times and France Football claimed in the first half of 2016/17 that Newcastle United were keen.

The Magpies have been tipped to target defensive reinforcements this month with a number of centre-halves linked with a move to St. James’ Park and Duverne, a talented youngster with a potentially huge re-sale value, certainly fits the typical Newcastle mould.