FORGET IT!

Celtic reject Rodgers’ deadline day move for McGregor ...while Tierney describes £25m exit as his toughest call

BRENDAN RoDgERs failed with a late move to take Celtic midfielder Callum Mcgregor to Leicester City. With cash to burn following the £80million sale of Harry Maguire to Manchester United, the former Parkhead boss was willing to pay up to £20m to land the scotland international. However, just hours after the sPFL Premiership champions agreed to sell Kieran Tierney to Arsenal for a scottish transfer record £25m, major shareholder Dermot Desmond informed Foxes manager Rodgers that another of the club’s key players was not for sale at any price. Sportsmail understands that Mcgregor was keen to speak to his former manager, but accepted Celtic’s stance. A starter in Wednesday’s 1-1 draw with CFR Cluj in Romania, the 26-year-old last year signed a contract until 2023 but could now seek a review after Celtic’s rejection of Leicester’s overtures denied him the chance to multiply his wages. Tierney (left), meanwhile, described leaving Celtic as the toughest decision of his life after completing his move to Arsenal. The gunners had been chasing the scotland left-back all summer but saw two bids rejected before

finally meeting Celtic’s valuation on Wednesday night.

After completing a medical at London Colney yesterday, the 22-year-old penned a five-year deal worth £75,000 per week, making him the most expensive Scottish footballer of all-time.

But Tierney, who has been handed the No 3 jersey ahead of the new English Premier League season, admitted he had some serious soul-searching to do before turning his back on his boyhood heroes and the chance to reach nine and ten-in-a-row.

‘It was the hardest decision I’ve had to make in my whole life,’ said the Scotland international. ‘I had to speak to my family and close friends and my agent because it’s a hard decision to leave a club that you love so much. People need to know that as well.

‘When I was younger, it was always Celtic. The ambition was Celtic and that was my dream. But when you get older... I’ve done that, I’ve lived my dream and I’ve loved every single minute of it.

‘Now I just feel was the right time to take a step on. Arsenal is a massive club and this is a great opportunity for me. I’m delighted to be here.’

Tierney, currently recovering from hernia surgery, was watching amateur football in a local park when he got the call to go to London for his medical.

‘I was down the park with my friends training,’ he said.

‘They play with their local team, so I was down watching them and I got a phone call at 7pm that I had to be in the airport in an hour so I had to go quickly.

‘I got to the airport and the flight was delayed two-and-a-half hours, with another hour’s drive to the hotel. I was back up at half five, so I probably got zero sleep.’

Tierney, who has not played since May, is setting his sights on getting fully fit before making his debut for Unai Emery’s side.

He told Arsenal’s website: ‘I had a double hernia operation in the summer, so I’m just getting back fit now. I’m just getting back involved with a ball and back running. So hopefully it’s not going to be too long.

‘I’m looking forward to getting back on the pitch, training and getting involved with the squad.’

In a statement confirming the deal last night, Celtic insisted they had done all they could to keep Tierney at Parkhead.

A club statement read: ‘While the club did not need or wish to sell Kieran, this was an opportunity which Kieran very much wished to pursue and, with the club having received a significant offer, we have agreed to the transfer.

‘Kieran has been a big part of the club for a number of years, coming through our academy structure and becoming a key first-team player of real quality.

‘He has made a significant contribution to Celtic and we thank him very much for all he has given to the club and, of course, we wish him very well for the future in his career.’

Celtic manager Neil Lennon also paid tribute to Tierney and backed him to be a hit at Arsenal.

He said: ‘This is an opportunity Kieran wanted to take and, while we will be sad to see him leave the club, we wish Kieran all the very best for the future.

‘Although he is still a young guy, Kieran has given the club so much. He’s a great lad and I’ve really enjoyed working with him. I’m sure he will continue to progress and make a big impact in the English Premier League.

‘It has obviously been a long process, but, now it has been finalised, we can now look ahead and concentrate on continuing to build our own squad.

Meanwhile, Scott Sinclair will remain at the club after the English deadline closed without any offers for the player.