Brendan Rodgers is assembling a team to re-affirm Celtic’s dominance in Scotland and go deep into the Champions League.
The former Liverpool boss received assurances from the Celtic board that he would be able to freshen up the championship-winning squad for 2016/17.
While Celtic have been guilty, in the past, of waiting to see if they can secure qualification for the Champions League group stages, Rodgers has been backed before the July qualifiers.
Rodgers has secured an extra seasons’ loan for Patrick Roberts and splashed out on Moussa Dembele. Now, if The Daily Mail reports are accurate, he could be set to shore up his defence with a stout Irishman.
Shane Duffy was scouted by Celtic when he was at Blackburn Rovers last season. Rodgers has been brought up to speed on the central defender and is thought to be keen to bring him in.
This positive view has been solidified by Duffy’s recent Ireland experiences. The Derry native excelled in Ireland’s friendly fixtures, in March and May, while being a rock in the 1-0 win over Italy. He made three goal-saving interventions against France but was at fault for Antonine Griezmann’s winner.
Having being loaned out to lower division clubs during his five years at Everton, Duffy has come on great strides since moving to Blackburn.
The mooted price for Duffy is £2m but Rovers will be keen to hold onto him. Owen Coyle has brought in Anthony Stokes and Jack Byrne for 2016/17 and is a fan of the 24-year-old.
Celtic, who play their Champions League second qualifying round ties in mid July, may yet have to increase their offer to secure Duffy’s services.
