CELTIC are bracing themselves for ££25million transfer tug-of-war as the race for Kieran Tierney hots up.
The 22-year-old left-back returned home early from the champions’ pre-season training camp in Austria at the weekend, as CQN reported yesterday.
The exit of the defender sparked speculation of an imminent move with Arsenal, who saw their original £15million offer immediately booted out, reportedly getting closer to the figure that may tempt the Hoops’ club’s chiefs to part with the fans’ favourite.
Manager Neil Lennon was quick to dispel the rumours by revealing the player, who underwent a double hernia operation in the summer, was going home to continue his rehab.
The focus has been mainly on the London side and boss Unai Emery as he attempts to carve up his £45million war-chest with other players such as Crystal Palace winger Wilfried Zaha on the radar.
Serie A outfit Napoli have been on the sidelines monitoring the situation, but may now be ready to make a move for Tierney.
Head Coach Carlo Ancelotti is an admitted admirer of the youngster who has been watched several times by the Italians and who are now preparing for a tilt at the Champions League in the new season.
The quoted fee of £25million, which will consist of add-ons, will not scare off the former Chelsea boss.
The next week or so is likely to determine where Tierney will be playing his football in the forthcoming campaign.
