Celtic have been linked with Leeds United defender Charlie Taylor. Does this mean that Kieran Tierney could be on his way?
Celtic have been linked with a move for departing Leeds United defender Charlie Taylor. According to The Sun (print edition, page 64, June 24, 2016), Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers want to secure the services of the left-back before the start of the Champions League qualifiers next month (click here to read more).
Although it now seems that Taylor is on his way to Premier League club Burnley – The Burnley Express has claimed that the Clarets have agreed personal terms with the Englishman, who will become a free agent at the end of the month – Celtic’s interest could be a concern for the fans.
Kieran Tierney is the first-choice left-back at Celtic at the moment. The 20-year-old is one of the best young players in Europe, and his performances last season suggest that he is destined for greatness.
Emilio Izaguirre has been the first-choice left-back at the Bhoys for years, and although he is currently behind Tierney in the pecking order, he recently told The Daily Record that he wants to sign a new contract at Celtic.
The 31-year-old Honduras international also claimed that Celtic manager Rodgers has told him that he wants him to remain at the club.
Taylor is one of the best left-backs in the Championship, and one suspects that Rodgers knows that. So why would the former Liverpool manager still want him, as Tierney is the first-choice player in that position?
Is Rodgers trying to sign Taylor as a long-term replacement for Tierney? While The Sun has credited Manchester United and Arsenal with interest in the youngster, The Mirror has linked Liverpool with the defender.
Taylor’s arrival at Celtic would certainly push Tierney harder, but Celtic fans should be concerned, as it could mean the departure of the Scotland international either this summer or the next.
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