Celtic have joined the fight to land Max Lowe as Arsenal get set to launch an improved bid for £25million-rated Kieran Tierney.
The Parkhead outfit have held initial talks with Derby over their left-back as the interest ramps up in their prized and in-demand Scotland star.
Manager Neil Lennon has a number of left-back options if Tierney goes and Record Sport understands an inquiry has been made over the availability of Lowe on a short-term or permanent basis.
The 22-year-old made a huge impact on loan at Aberdeen last term having been farmed out by Rams gaffer Frank Lampard.
Aberdeen would like to take him back to Pittodrie while Rangers have also had a look at the defender’s situation.
Lowe, who was recently on England Under-20 duty, has signed a new long-term Derby contract but his immediate future is uncertain with his club facing a managerial change as Chelsea eye Lampard.
Celtic, who have also been linked with Akhmat Grozny’s Iranian left-back Milad Mohammadi, could now jump to the head of the queue to get Lowe on board with Tierney the subject of serious interest.
Arsenal chiefs made their first attempt to land the Parkhead ace with a £15million bid which was rejected instantly.
However, they are undeterred having seen their starting figure dismissed and sources say Arsenal are optimistic they can land Tierney and will resume negotiations today. They face competition from Napoli.
Tierney could leave but offers for Callum McGregor will be rejected with Leicester being told he is not for sale.
Celtic are working at signing their own new faces with Motherwell’s David Turnbull set to be announced today after completing the medical and finalising the details on a £3m move.
Copenhagen right-back Petr Ankersen is also on the radar as a £1.5m replacement for Mikael Lustig after Sheffield United offered no encouragement over a move for George Baldock.
Ankersen’s Danish international team-mate Mathias Jorgensen of Huddersfield and Toulouse’s Christopher Jullien remain options to sign at centre-back.
Celtic, who head to Austria today for a pre-season training camp, are in the hunt for Bolton’s Irish star Luca Connell and have been credited with interest in Eduador midfielder Jose Cifuentes.
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