Wayne Rooney reacts as Celtic eye Derby duo Nathan Byrne and Lee Buchanan

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Celtic are reportedly keen on signing two Derby County defenders in the form of Nathan Byrne and Lee Buchanan – and Wayne Rooney has responded. The Rams gaffer is under enormous pressure with Derby under a transfer embargo. Now, Rooney has commented on Byrne and Buchanan.

Buchanan, 20, has emerged as an option at left-back, while Byrne can finally solve Celtic’s need of a right-back. The Hoops need additions in both positions, with Anthony Ralston and Greg Taylor starting against FC Midtjylland. Both Byrne and Buchanan starred for Derby in 20-21.

The Record say that Buchanan has just been added to the shortlist. The Sun on Sunday (25/07; page 62) say Nottingham Forest have tabled a £2million bid to sign him, after having a £1.2million offer thrown out. Meanwhile, the more-experienced Byrne, 29, is a target. Rooney has responded.

“The way we are trying to play, they are the two most important players on the pitch, so none of my players will be leaving the club this transfer window unless it is to benefit them, whether it is a loan, but that can only happen if we are allowed to bring players in,” Rooney told Derbyshire Live.

Byrne and Buchanan at Celtic – or can the Hoops do better?

Celtic certainly need a right-back and a left-back, and perhaps even right-back cover too. But are Byrne and Buchanan the quality, or calibre, of player they need? Probably not. Buchanan is a talent and in a few years, he could of Celtic quality. But he is far from it right now.

Byrne is 29 and a bit nomadic, having played for eight different English clubs at senior level. So, while Celtic do need a right-back and a left-back, Byrne and Buchanan would be very underwhelming.