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Daily Record
Daily Record
Sport
Gabriel McKay

Omar Colley in Celtic transfer link but 'interested' Hoops face competition for Sampdoria defender

Sampdoria defender Omar Colley has been linked with a move to Celtic, but the Gambian international wouldn't come cheap.

Neil Lennon is keen to beef up his options at centre-back following the departure of Jozo Simunovic, and the club have held talks for Shane Duffy of Brighton.

According to Calciomercato though they are also showing an interest in Colley, who could be allowed to leave Sampdoria this summer.

The 27-year-old made 31 Serie A appearances last season but was part of a defence that struggled badly, conceding 65 goals.

Colley has two years left on his contract, but is expected to command a hefty fee if he departs this summer.

Sampdoria are said to value him at around €15million (£13.6m) and there is also interest from Newcastle United and Burnley.

Colley has had something of a circuitous journey to reach Serie A.

After breaking through with Gambian club Wallidan he twice had trials at Sporting Kansas City.

However, the MLS outfit refused to pay any transfer fee to take him Stateside and he returned to his homeland with Real de Banjul.

The centre-back then spent time in Finland and Sweden before earning a move to Genk in 2016.

Colley earned comparisons with Kalidou Koulibaly, and convinced Sampdoria to pay €10million for his services.

After a difficult second season in Italy though the Blucerchiati could be ready to move him on.

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