Report: Celtic eye Nice defender Romain Perraud amid Kieran Tierney exit rumours

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According to reports in France, Celtic are interested in signing Romain Perraud. OGC Nice defender Perraud is wanted by a number of clubs, including Celtic, as per L’Equipe.

Brest are also interested in Perraud, who spent last season on loan at Paris FC. He is due to return to Nice for pre-season on Monday but he could be on the move this summer.

Up to 12 clubs – including Celtic – have reportedly enquired about Perraud, who has a contract until 2021. Nice now need to make a decision on whether to keep him or let him leave.

Kieran Tierney linked with exit

Perraud plays as a left-back, suggesting that he could be a replacement for Kieran Tierney. According to various media outlets – including The Daily Mail – Arsenal are heavily interested in Tierney.

The 12-cap Scotland international has come through the ranks with his boyhood club. But with 170 appearances to his name at such a young age, it is no surprise to see the 22-year-old linked with an exit.

Arsenal want Tierney to provide their long-term solution at left-back or left-wing-back. And if he leaves, a new left-back (such as Perraud) will be required.

Who is Romain Perraud?

Perraud is a promising young talent who impressed in Ligue 2 last season. On loan at Paris FC, the 21-year-old played 33 games, racking up a total of five goals from left-back. These figures reflect his attacking style of play; he can also feature as a left-sided midfielder.

The France U20 international is highly-rated by Nice but he has only managed four senior outings for the Ligue 1 side in his career. Either he tries to step up to the French top division or he tries his luck elsewhere with Brest and Celtic among the interested parties.

TBR’s view

Bringing in Perraud for Tierney would naturally be a risk, given his lack of experience in Scotland. But with a handful of Francophone players on Celtic’s books, Perraud could settle in quickly.

The youngster has several options this summer but Celtic might be an attractive proposition. The Bhoys can offer him a strong shot at silverware plus European football next season.

Losing Tierney is far from ideal but this may be an inevitability. Perraud fits the bill as an exciting replacement given his age and his record in the French second division.