Pundit Kevin Graham has recently provided some details about Celtic’s chase of Brighton and Hove Albion defender Shane Duffy.
Graham was a guest on the latest episode of ‘A Celtic State of Mind’ podcast and he discussed many potential Celtic transfer targets. He also talked about Duffy and the deal which could potentially take the Republic of Ireland man to Celtic, offering some insight into the negotiations.
It has recently been reported that the Hoops are the ‘keen’ to sign Duffy on loan this summer. While other clubs could make ‘enticing’ offers to sign the defender, Duffy is also said to be ‘keen’ on a Celtic switch this summer. Brighton have made it clear that they want £2million as a loan fee for the defender.
Graham provided some details about this and said that the Hoops may not be looking to pay the £2million fee that the Seagulls want for the defender.
He said: “Those who seem to be in the know this morning [Monday] are saying there’s going be an issue with the loan fee and Celtic won’t pay the £2 million to get Shane Duffy for a year. The other side of the stick there is the fact [that] Duffy has made it clear that he wants to come Celtic, according to the people in the know. So we’re in a bit of a standoff, here.
Do you think the Duffy deal will go through?
I don't think so
Yes, we'll sign him
“It is quite obvious that Duffy is Lennon’s first choice and his name has been leaked deliberately to try and force a move through to Celtic.”
TIF Thoughts…
It has also been reported that the 28-year-old is a ‘lifelong Hoops fan’ and a source even told the Daily Record that this could be the ‘difference’ when it comes to the final decision about his future. The same source had told the Daily Record that this is a ‘difficult’ deal for the Hoops to do because it is ‘impossible’ for them to compete with the wages that Premier League clubs can offer.
So clearly, there is a willingness from Celtic and from Duffy to make a deal happen. Brighton’s demand is the only thing that seems to be preventing the move from happening. Because of that, it will be intriguing to see whether Duffy pushes for this move and if that plays a role in helping Celtic sign the defender.