THE £30M MAN
Celtic won’t let Tierney go on the cheap
CELTIC have slapped a £30million price tag on the head of coveted left-back Kieran Tierney.
The Scotland international features on a list of potential signings for English Premier League side Bournemouth.
And Europa League winners Atletico Madrid will send a scout to watch the 20-year-old in Saturday’s Scottish Cup final at Hampden, while Manchester United and Tottenham are also credited with an interest.
Atletico are in the market for a left-back after losing first-choice Filipe Luis to injury, with his replacement Lucas Hernandez a natural central defender.
Tierney split with agent Raymond Sparkes in November to sign for Stellar, the agency responsible for Gareth Bale’s £85m move to Real Madrid.
And Sportsmail understands his representatives are planning talks with Celtic
chief executive Peter Lawwell to discuss growing interest. With the player under contract until 2023 after signing a new six-year deal last October, Scotland’s champions are in no rush to sell. And sources close to Tierney believe it will take a Scottish record fee close to £30m to trigger a conversation. A lifelong Celtic fan, Tierney is showing no inclination to leave but admits he is flattered by Atletico’s interest. ‘It’s kind of a confidence booster to know you’ve put the hard work in and massive teams all over Europe are noticing it,’ he said yesterday. ‘It’s flattering for teams like that to be interested. ‘I’ve never thought about elsewhere yet. It’s just been Celtic from the age of seven. I’ve never even been on trial with another team. ‘Can I see myself being here all my career? Yes, I can. But you never know in football. Maybe one day it will happen.’ Tierney would need to be persuaded of the merits of a move to Spain, while doubts remain over his willingness to join Bournemouth after boss Eddie Howe refused to answer a question on his reported interest last week. Meanwhile, Dedryck Boyata last night revealed he has held talks with manager Brendan Rodgers to try to agree a new Celtic contract. The Belgian centreback’s existing deal expires at the end of next season and there had been speculation he was stalling on committing his future to Parkhead. However, Boyata yesterday underlined his contentment with life in Glasgow as Celtic prepare for Saturday’s Scottish Cup final with Motherwell and the chance to secure an historic double Treble. ‘I am happy here,’ said the 27-year-old. ‘I have been talking a lot with the manager and trying to find a solution. I don’t want to say yes and then nothing happens later, but everything is just so positive. I am having a great time. ‘I am in talks with the club. Right now, nothing is done and it’s not like I can actually say what is going to be done. But we are trying to find some sort of arrangement.’ Boyata is expected to start against Motherwell in what is a re-run of November’s Betfred Cup final. Stephen Robinson’s side will present an obvious physical challenge with their robust style of play, but Boyata feels Celtic will be ready. ‘Playing against Motherwell has never been an easy game,’ he admitted. ‘They’ve got that reputation of being a physical team. So we have to go for a battle and we have to go and get it. ‘We will be playing for history, but it’s also a big chance for Motherwell, so you never know what can happen.’ Charly Musonda, meanwhile, has bid farewell to Celtic after his 18-month loan spell was cut short after six months. The Chelsea player posted on Instagram: ‘I’d like to thank all of the Celtic family. Spending the second half of the season in such a prestigious club with its incredible fans was an experience to cherish. To receive number 67 and have your incredible support, everywhere in Glasgow, was amazing. ‘I will be a supporter of Celtic forever. I’d like to thank Brendan Rodgers for giving me that opportunity.’