CEO suggests ‘absolutely magnificent’ player Celtic reportedly want could leave

Follow us on Google Discover

Brighton and Hove Albion chief executive Paul Barber suggested on talkSPORT (4:58pm, August 30, 2020) that reported Celtic target Shane Duffy could leave.

According to Sky Sports, Celtic are interested in signing Duffy on loan from Premier League club Brighton in the summer transfer window.

The report has claimed that the 28-year-old central defender wants to make the switch to the Scottish Premiership giants.

Brighton CEO Barber has praised the Republic of Ireland international centre-back, and has suggested that the defender could be let go this summer.

Seagulls manager Graham Potter has also praised the veteran defender.

Barber said about Duffy on talkSPORT (4:58pm, August 30, 2020): “Shane has been absolutely magnificent for us, literally from the day he joined. He is a massive character on the pitch, he is an even bigger character off the pitch. He is loved by everyone at the club.

“It is a difficult decision for Graham because there are so many centre-backs you can accommodate in one lineup, but Shane has been magnificent. We will obviously be talking about Shane’s future imminently, but he has been a fantastic servant for the club.”

The Brighton CEO added: “We will be disappointed if we do lose him, but we also understand he wants to play football.”

Potter told The Brighton & Hove Independent: “You understand the speculation with Shane because he is an important player, he is a big character and he wants to play football. You put two and two together and it’s an obvious one. But he has been fantastic for me and he has been great in the group.

“I understand he wants to play and we need to make those decisions at the right time for him and for the team. At this moment he is with us, he does his best every day and he is part of your group.”

Good signing for Celtic?

Duffy may have fallen down the pecking order at Brighton, but the experienced defender would make an instant impact at Celtic.

Manager Neil Lennon could do with a strong and capable defender who will make his backline stronger, and a loan deal for the Republic of Ireland international would be a sensible move.

Meanwhile, Celtic manager Lennon has said that the club have not made any bid for Sampdoria defender Omar Colley.

Lennon said on BBC Sportsound, as transcribed by The Daily Record: “I can’t, no. I can deny it, yeah. “I’m not aware of that at all.”

Celtic are aiming to make it 10 Scottish Premiership titles in a row this season.