Report: Celtic on verge of loan deal for 28-year-old who ‘ticks all the boxes’, in Glasgow tomorrow

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Reported Celtic target Shane Duffy is reported to be on the verge of a loan switch to Parkhead which could be finalised by tomorrow, according to the Daily Record.

Bhoys boss Neil Lennon confirmed to OTB Sports earlier this month that “tentative enquiries” had been made over the Brighton and Republic of Ireland defender.

Now, the Daily Record claims that Celtic have all but won the race for Duffy amid competition from English sides West Ham and West Brom.

The outlet claims that Duffy has made clear he wants to move to Glasgow, and is set to be in the city on Tuesday to iron out the final details on a one-year loan deal.

It has also been reported that Celtic will pay a £2million fee to take the 28-year-old on loan, and will also take on a significant chunk of his wages.

Duffy, a boyhood Hoops fan, has been with the Seagulls since 2016 but got little game time last season, with just 21 appearances and 16 Premier League starts under his belt.

He has made 130 competitive appearances for Brighton and has won 33 caps for the Republic, of which he is captain.

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Duffy is an experienced, high-calibre defender whose time at Brighton is now uncertain due to their glut of options at the back, and Celtic would certainly be a more solid outfit with him in their ranks.

“The centre of defence is where Celtic really need to strengthen,” former Celtic striker Andy Walker recently told the Scottish Football Podcast.

“You do need someone with a bit more bite and strength, maybe someone who is a bit more reliable, and I think Shane Duffy ticks all the boxes.”

Given the £40,000-a-week man is a boyhood Bhoy, the chance to make history with his beloved club would surely appeal to him.

And if this latest report is true, it’s just a matter of time before he’s finally in the green and white hoops.