Celtic Make Attempt for £7 Million Defender

Celtic are preparing for a summer attempt to sign Burnley defender Dara O’Shea. The Scottish champions have their sights set on the Republic of Ireland international, with manager Brendan Rodgers looking to strengthen his team ahead of a tough Champions League season.

The Bhoys have made preliminary inquiries with the Clarets, but the transfer is still pending. Burnley paid £7 million for O’Shea from West Bromwich Albion last year, and they would consider selling only if they received a large bid. A Burnley source told Record Sport that “O’Shea remains a key player for our club.”

They also intimated that any decision on Celtic’s proposal would be postponed until Burnley chose a new manager or head coach. Since Vincent Kompany left for Bayern Munich, the team has been in managerial limbo, and the recruitment process is presently underway.

O’Shea was instrumental for Burnley in the Premier League last season. It is unclear whether they will sell the 25-year-old or keep him to help with their Championship promotion bid.

Rising through the ranks at West Bromwich Albion before going to Turf Moor, the Irish international’s possible transfer to Celtic would add new competition to the backline.
Last season, Celtic depended heavily on Cameron Carter-Vickers and Liam Scales. Despite signing Gustaf Lagerbielke, the defender struggled to make the first team, as did Maik Nawrocki. Both players could leave the club this summer if the right offer comes in. Stephen Welsh is ahead of both in the pecking order.

You have to wonder what it would cost Celtic to sign Dara if Burnley paid £7 million for the 26-times capped centre-back.
Celtic has yet to make a signing this summer. Surely, with the US Tour just around the corner, they need to step up their game.