WANTED BHOY
Rodgers admits Celtic can expect offers for Tierney
BRENDAN RODGERS fully expects Celtic to be receiving bids from Europe’s elite clubs this summer for 19-year-old left-back Kieran Tierney.
The Parkhead boss, reacting to news that Chelsea are considering stepping up their interest in the Scotland defender, declared himself comfortable with the attention the teenager is getting.
Arsenal and Manchester United are among the English top-flight outfits to have taken particular note of Tierney’s performances, including his eye-catching Champions League displays.
Celtic could ask for a fee in the region of £15million for the PFA Scotland Young Player of the Year nominee.
‘Kieran is a super-talented boy and there’s not too many left-backs in Europe who, at 19 years old, are talented enough to play for such a big club,’ said Rodgers.
‘I have no doubt in his qualities. You have to remember this is the time of year strategic leaks come out, but he is a Celtic player with another four years on his contract.
‘Kieran absolutely loves it here. But I would expect the very biggest clubs, in the most competitive leagues, to be interested in him because he is a huge talent. He will only get better.’
Tierney helped Celtic to a 4-1 win over St Johnstone yesterday, during which fans chanted for the club to sign Patrick Roberts on a permanent transfer.
The sale of a star like Tierney would help raise funds for a raid on Manchester City for Roberts, who scored twice against Saints and has been on loan for 18 months.
‘He’s a player we would love to have here permanently, of course,’ added Rodgers. ‘If there’s a possibility of doing it, then it’s something I would look at.’