Report: Sunderland targeted Celtic and Hull stars in January; summer move highly unlikely

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Sunderland wanted to try and sign Celtic left-back Kieran Tierney in January, with David Moyes believing that the Hoops man was the most talented of their targets.

Sunderland manager David Moyes

A report in the Chronicle has explained why Sunderland boss David Moyes was unable to bring Celtic star Kieran Tierney to the Stadium of Light in the summer, despite rating the teenager more highly than the man he did ultimately sign at left-back.

According to the Chronicle, following the £14 million sale of Patrick van Aanholt, Moyes targeted Tierney, Hull City’s Andrew Robertson and Bryan Oviedo of Everton as he looked to fill the void the Dutchman had left on the left-hand side of defence.

The Chronicle adds that while Oviedo was the man the Black Cats signed, Moyes felt that Tierney was the best of the trio, but ultimately was unable to do anything more than enquire about the Scotland international due to fearing that he would cost more than what they sold van Aanholt for.

Unfortunately for Sunderland, the Chronicle also reports that the fee Celtic would want for him would mean that a summer move is also off the table.

While Tierney’s clear allegiance to Celtic would have made it hard for Sunderland to bring him to the Stadium of Light anyway, it would have surely been worth taking a financial gamble and making it clear to him that they could offer him regular first-team football that he may not get elsewhere in the Premier League just yet.

Celtic’s Kieran Tierney in action with Borussia Monchengladbach’s Oscar Wendt

Given what the 19-year-old has shown during his brief time in the Bhoys’ first-team, spending a little bit more than what they sold van Aanholt for would have surely represented a sound investment as he clearly boasts bags of potential, and has already won trophies and competed in the Champions League.

And while going down may have made Tierney incredibly difficult to hold onto – had they managed to get a deal done in the first place – having players with his ability in their ranks would surely be a must if they hope to get back and re-establish themselves as a stalwart in the top flight.