Should Celtic request Borthwick-Jackson if they sell Kieran Tierney?

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Celtic defender Kieran Tierney is reportedly on Manchester United’s radar.

One of the points that Brendan Rodgers may have been able to take away from Celtic’s goalless draw with Motherwell before the international break was that the Hoops could certainly do with strengthening their options on the left-hand side this summer.

Kieran Tierney is the best left-back in the Scottish Premiership and it is testament to how good he actually is by the fact that a player of Emilio Izaguirre’s quality has not been missed by the Bhoys since his Parkhead departure.

However, Tierney missed the trip to Fir Park, and in his absence, Callum McGregor was deployed as a left wing-back. His display seemed to get a mixed response, but he deserves praise for performing well in a role that he had little experience in.

Nevertheless, it arguably highlighted the need for Rodgers to strengthen his options on the left at the end of the season. And their need could perhaps become even greater given recent reports coming out of the Daily Record.

The Record has recently suggested that Manchester United are planning to step up their interest in Tierney in the summer, and while keeping the academy graduate has to be the Hoops’ priority, they perhaps need to brace themselves for a situation that sees the Scotland international head to Old Trafford.

And part of those preparations should involve Celtic asking for Cameron Borthwick-Jackson in return if Tierney looks United-bound.

Borthwick-Jackson has endured a difficult time with a couple of loan spells in the Championship not going to plan, and if Tierney arrives, it is difficult to see how he can have a future with United, so the Hoops should certainly ask about the 21-year-old as part of the deal.

He is still young enough to develop significantly, and while he may not be on Tierney’s level, he would arguably be a very good addition to Rodgers’ squad if something could be agreed this summer. His ability to play at centre-back would also make him a valuable asset given Celtic’s issues in the middle this term.

Losing Tierney would surely have to be a last resort for the Hoops, but getting a promising youngster in return may soften the blow slightly if Rodgers does become resigned to the idea of losing the starlet.