Celts fight Hammers for Duffy
CELTIC are locked in a straight fight with West Ham for Irish defender Shane Duffy.
The Hoops are attempting to seal a deal for the 28-year-old as boss Neil Lennon looks to bring added steel to his backline.
Duffy has a variety of options with Brighton aiming to offload him during this transfer window.
Celtic are involved in the race with the Parkhead outfit hoping to secure a loan deal which would cost them around £2million in wages for a season. West Ham, however, are prepared to pay a full
transfer fee for a permanent deal at a cost in the region of £5m.
Boss David Moyes has worked with Duffy during their time at Everton and the financial muscle of the Hammers could give them a cash edge.
Celtic, though, hope Duffy’s emotional pull as a fan of the club may have a bearing on his decision.
Newly-promoted West Brom and Burnley are also interested and willing to buy outright but Record Sport understands it is West Ham and Celtic who are likeliest to clinch a deal.
While Celts are battling it out for Duffy, Tom Rogic is attracting interest from Qatar with clubs assessing the 27-year-old’s situation.
Figures in the region of £4million have been reported for any deal but it is understood that no concrete offers been placed and any move is merely at the stage of initial interest and enquiry.
Having suffered a series of injuries, the Australian international has struggled for regular starts in the past year with Ryan Christie and Olivier Ntcham looking to be positioned ahead of him in the pecking order in an advanced midfield role.
With Motherwell’s David Turnbull still of interest to Celtic after a big-money deal collapsed a year ago on medical grounds, the big Aussie could be tempted if there is any advance in the Qatari interest.