CELTIC TO FULHAM: TIERNEY NOT FOR SALE

CELTIC have dismissed speculation regarding Fulham’s interest in Kieran Tierney with the Parkhead side maintaining that they do not wish to sell any of their players before the closure of the transfer window.

The Scotland internationalist was the subject of interest from Everton earlier this summer and reports over the weekend suggested that Fulham were preparing to test Celtic’s resolve with a £25million offer for Tierney. Meanwhile, Celtic will find out today what UEFA’s reasons were for handing defender Jozo Simunovic an additional game ban on Friday afternoon. UEFA’s Control, Ethics and Disciplinary body made the decision to give

the Croatian defender a two-match suspension for the red-card he received for his foul on Alashkert’s Brazilian forward Jefferson and Celtic have been left waiting on their reasons as to why over the weekend.

The governing body are expected to explain their decision to Celtic today and the Parkhead side will then decide whether or not to launch an appeal against the ban.

If they do opt to make their case then Simunovic, who has already served one game of the ban after sitting out the match against Rosenborg last Wednesday night, will be eligible to play in the second leg against the Norwegians this week.

Celtic hold a 3-1 advantage as they prepare to head to Trondheim but with Dedryck Boyata only due back at the club later this week after a prolonged holiday due to his World Cup campaign and Marvin Compper injured, Brendan Rodgers’ side continue to have defensive issues.

Mikael Lustig has trained for a week but this game is expected to come too soon for him.

Contract talks are expected to resume this week with Boyata’s representatives. The Belgian defender was in dialogue with the club over a new deal before he left for Russia but did not come to an agreement.

There has been interest in the player from elsewhere although Celtic will look to keep the 27-year-old.

Talks last night were still ongoing for Australian teenager Daniel Arzani, the youngest player at this summer’s World Cup. It is believed that a deal is close to being agreed as the 19-year-old moves from Melbourne City to Manchester City.

And, with the English transfer window closing on August 9th, it is unlikely that Celtic will return to Hibs with a higher bid for John McGinn. The club have had three offers for the Scotland internationalist rejected by the Easter Road side.