Celtic face potential rival bids for reported target Omar Colley as speculation grows

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Celtic will have to battle with Premier League basement boys Sheffield United for the signature of Omar Colley if we’re still keen.

Colley, Sampdoria’s left-sided centre back, has been widely tipped with a move to the Bhoys (Sky Sports). However, Yorkshire Live report that Chris Wilder is looking to sign the Gambian defender.

As Brexit makes transfer deals to UK clubs more complicated, loan-to-permanent offers will be the most likely option for Sheffield United.

Colley, who played for Genk and Djugardens before moving to Serie A, is actively seeking a move. The Daily Record reported in November that a new deal at Sampdoria was unlikely.

Wilder needs defenders, Celtic won’t care

Wilder’s side have lost 4 of their last 5 games, with second-season syndrome in full effect (Premier League). Their trusted commandants John Egan and Chris Basham have found the going much tougher this season (WhoScored?). Equally, Jack Robinson and Ethan Ampadu haven’t had the desired influence.

According to Yorkshire Live:

“The Serie A defender is being heavily linked with a move to Bramall Lane next month after the Blades tried to get a deal done to bring him to Sheffield in the summer.

“A left sided centre back is top of Wilder’s wanted list and Colley fits the bill.

“The 28-year-old Gambian international is free to leave Sampdoria for the right price and has made it clear in the past he would like to make the switch to England.”

Colley is likelier to have made those comments before seeing Wilder’s side play any football this season, though.

Still, Wilder’s woes won’t bother Celtic, who could do with reinforcements at the back. Mark McKenzie has talked up a move to the Bhoys (Sky Sports), but Brexit could yet complicate any deals in January (BBC).

The Sampdoria defender has 25 caps for The Gambia (Transfermarkt). He does the dirty work well, averaging 5.8 interceptions and 2.1 interceptions per game over his career (WhoScored?).

It remains to be seen just how keen Lennon is on him.