Brighton nicked Celtic’s Josh Kerr from under Leeds United’s nose – but can The Whites take revenge by signing fellow right-back Rob Hunt this summer?
Brighton manager Chris Hughton
Celtic were desperate to tie teenage defender Josh Kerr down to a long-term contract, HITC sources told us recently. Therefore, the fact that Brighton and Hove Albion have managed to snare him away from the Scottish champions represents a major coup for the newly-promoted side.
After all, Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers is renowned for his ability to hone young talents with Michael Johnstone and Anthony Ralston recently given their chance in the first-team after impressing with the reserves.
However, 19-year-old Kerr obviously believed in the project on offer at the Amex Stadium, signing a two-year deal to become The Seagull’s second summer addition after Ingolstadt playmaker Pascal Gross.
And while Kerr’s move is a blow to Celtic, it will also go down like a lead balloon at Elland Road. HITC sources claimed that Leeds United were one of the clubs interested in nabbing the Youth Cup winning defender, who specialises at right-back and centre-half, when his contract at Parkhead expired at the end of the season.
Hunting Hunt
What this means for Rob Hunt, however, is anyone’s guess. The 21-year-old boosted his reputation with a superb loan spell at Oldham United last season, his January arrival coinciding with an excellent run of form to stave off fears of relegation to League Two.
However, the right-back’s future at parent club Brighton remains up in the air. HITC sources added that Leeds are aiming to pluck the highly-rated 21-year-old from the South Coast club and, with the versatile Kerr joining the experienced Bruno in Brighton’s ranks, Hunt may find that his path to the first-team is blocked once again.
If the addition of another right-back is enough to make Hunt consider his future, Leeds will be there to pounce.
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