Right-back hunt goes on as Smith off to Stoke
CELTIC’S right-back search last night suffered a setback with top target Tommy Smith on the verge of a switch to Stoke.
The Huddersfield defender was high up on Neil Lennon’s wishlist with the Hoops willing to bid up
to £2.5million for the 27-year-old.
But Record Sport understands Smith has opted to remain in the Championship after the Potters met the asking price and a deal is set to be sealed today.
The full-back was spotted leaving Huddersfield’s training camp in Austria last night but was heading to Staffordshire rather than Glasgow.
Celtic remain in the market for a right-back and the loss of Smith could open the door for a move for Sheffield United’s George Baldock who was also on Stoke’s radar.
The Parkhead side failed in a £3m bid for the 26-year-old last month but could go back to the table with an increased bid.
Youngster Anthony Ralston is the only recognised right-back on the books and centre-back Kris Ajer slotted in to the role in the 3-1 Champions League qualifier win in Sarajevo on Tuesday.
Celtic have one foot in the next round and boss Lennon has until July 18 to register new players to be eligible for any second qualifier.
Meanwhile, Lennon has saluted super stand-ins Nir Bitton and Ajer for their crucial Champions League covering roles.
But the Celtic manager has confirmed he’s still targeting two more defensive captures.
Lennon was delighted at the way Bitton and Ajer plugged gaps in the victory over Sarajevo.
With £7m centre-back Christopher Jullien not ready to face the Bosnians, Bitton had to step into centre-back with Ajer required to shuttle across from that position to rightback with no long-term replacement for Mikael Lustig secured at this stage of the transfer window.
Both players performed with distinction as the Hoops took a big first step on the road to the group stages.
But, although Lennon poured deserved praise on to his Israeli and Norwegian he has made it crystal clear additions are being chased.
He said: “Nir can play at the back but it’s not ideal.
“Christopher isn’t up to speed yet and we are still looking to strengthen there too.
“Ideally, I’d like Bitton to play in midfield but he showed his qualities in defence too.
“I’m looking for a big season from Nir. No matter what position he plays. He has had a good pre-season after a bad injury.
“It was a concerted period out for him of 10 months to a year. He played a few games for me last season but still had a problem with his knee.
“Nir went away with Israel and has come back looking really good.
“We have now thrown down the challenge to him to step up and make an impact on the team. He has the game to do it.
“Nir is 27 and he’s a good athlete. There is more to come from him.
“Right-back is a key area to strengthen. Kristoffer was outstanding but we are looking to bring quality in there.
“It’s not an easy process but we are working away in the background.”
The display in Sarajevo has handed Lenny some breathing space with one foot placed into the second qualifying round.
He said: “I was really happy with the goals. There was a maturity about the team when we went behind.”