NEIL LENNON has been dealt a dramatic double transfer blow in his search for a new left-back.
Spurs’ Ryan Sessegnon and Leeds United’s Scotland international Barry Douglas were both on the Celtic manager’s wanted list – but it now looks certain the defenders will move elsewhere.
The 20-year-old London ace, who cost £25million when he arrived from Fulham last summer, has agreed a season-long loan move with Bundesliga side Hoffenheim, according to Sky Sports News.
Sessegnon, who signed a five-year contract when he quit Craven Cottage, is expected to undergo a medical today before sealing the switch.
The attack-minded defender – very much in the Jeremie Frimpong mould – made just eight Premier League appearances last season and is yet to feature so far this campaign.
His first-team opportunities are likely to be limited under Jose Mourinho this time around following the signing of Real Madrid’s No.3 Sergio Reguilon on a five-year deal, for a fee which could rise to £32million.
Sessegnon acknowledges he needs game time and is now looking to Germany instead of Scotland.
Meanwhile, 31-year-old Douglas has emerged as a target for Championship outfit Watford.
The former Dundee United star was left out of the Elland Road squad for yesterday’s 1-1 draw with Manchester City and hasn’t figured in the newly-promoted club’s four top-flight outings.
Douglas has eight months left on his contract and is on the brink of leaving the Yorkshire club before tomorrow’s transfer deadline.
Lennon is determined to bring in another left-back to provide competition for Greg Taylor with Boli Bolingoli playing in Turkey for the season while Jonny Hayes was allowed to leave at the end of his contract in June to rejoin Aberdeen.
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