BRENDAN RODGERS has confirmed that Kieran Tierney WILL return to Celtic.
The transfer saga has been brought to a successful conclusion after the former fans’ favourite agreed to the move after leaving the Hoops for Arsneal in a record-breaking £25million deal in the summer of 2019.
Speculation of a possible Parkhead comeback for 27-year-old Tierney gathered pace in recent months after the London club did not take up the 12-month option in his contract.
That opened the door for a reunion for the player and Rodgers and the Hoops gaffer has brought the guessing game to a halt on the eve of the Champions League qualifier against Aston Villa in the Midlands.
GOOD OLD DAZE…Kieran Tierney celebrates his first goal for Celtic in a 7-0 win over Motherwell at Parkhead in May 2016.
There is a possibility a loan deal being thrashed out over the next three of four days.
The Irishman, speaking to STV, said: “Ideally, it would happen in January, but he’s still an Arsenal player.
“We have agreed that a move will definitely take place in the summer.
“If a move can take place beforehand, then great.”
As Tierney prepares to return, on-loan left-back Alex Valle has gone back to Barcelona before a switch to Serie A outfit Como before the end of the transfer window on Monday.
Rodgers added: “Alex won’t play again, sadly. He is in Barcelona at the moment and he will move on to another team.”
Greg Taylor, who is out of contract at the end of the season, is the only recognised No.3 in the squad, but central defender Liam Scales can also play in the position.