Arsenal are reportedly set to be rivalled by Manchester United for the services of Celtic’s highly-rated fullback Kieran Tierney.
According to recent developments reported by the Daily Star, 20-year-old Tierney is being eyed as a potential long-term replacement for Luke Shaw by Jose Mourinho.
Shaw, who signed from Southampton for £30m in 2014, has failed to impress with a succession of injuries and inconsistency playing a part in Mourinho’s decision to look elsewhere for long-term solutions at left-back.
His future at Old Trafford seems limited and unless he can perform well in pre-season, United are prepared to make a move for a talented young alternative whilst looking to move Shaw on.
Arsenal were said to have offered Celtic £10m for Tierney, though their valuation is too low and the Bhoys are reportedly keen for £15m.
It seems silly that the Gunners would haggle over a £5m fee for someone so highly-rated with plenty of potential to fulfil, but the defensive depth in north London is good and Tierney may feel as though his chances at regular football are threatened by a lucrative switch.
Brendan Rodgers and his coaching staff will undoubtedly be keen to retain Tierney, who is a fan favourite and one of their best young prospects.
However, the lure of Premier League football is likely to be too good to resist at some stage for the Scotland international – who was scouted by United during their 2-2 World Cup qualifier against England last month.
£15m in the current market, especially considering how inflated it is, doesn’t seem too high a price to pay for someone of Tierney’s quality and age.
However, it’s likely he’ll remain at Celtic Park for at least another season, though this top-flight interest isn’t going to disappear.