Barry Douglas may have been linked with Celtic earlier this month, but the left-back has been handed a Serie B contract, according to the Scottish Sun.
The report states that Brescia have held talks with the former Scotland international. Douglas recently left Leeds after his contract expired, and it appears a move to Italy’s second-tier is on the table for him.
Celtic were initially linked with Douglas last year when Neil Lennon was in charge [Sky Sports]. However, the Hoops were again credited with an interest earlier this month. The Lancashire Telegraph claimed the Bhoys and Rangers were still keen, with Douglas impressing at Blackburn Rovers last season.
Celtic’s signing targets have of course been thrown into the air in recent times. The appointment of Ange Postecoglou and the incoming arrival of new CEO Dom McKay has changed things up at Parkhead.
The need for a left-back remains high. But unless Celtic move on Douglas quick, he could be out of their reach with Brescia closing in.
Barry Douglas would be an upgrade on anything Celtic have at left-back
First off, I like Greg Taylor. He’s a hard worker and has a fine assist record at Celtic. But Douglas remains more accurate with his deliveries from the wide areas. He’s also proven to be a better one-v-one defender, and is experienced at levels higher than the Scottish Premiership.
Boli Bolingoli, Taylor’s current rival, also looks like he could be off regardless. He was yesterday linked with a move back to Turkey [Scottish Sun]. So moving for Douglas for absolutely nothing would be a shrewd move.
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It doesn’t stop Celtic continuously looking for further upgrades either. Having Douglas and another left-back battling it out for the first-team spot at Parkhead would be ideal. Whilst we may have quantity in the position at the moment, we’re struggling badly for quality.
Again, it’s difficult to see new manager Postecoglou having Douglas on his target list. After all, it’s not someone he’ll have been keeping close tabs on during his time in Japan. Then again, Celtic have been working on transfers even before a new manager was appointed. It’s easy to see Douglas, bearing in mind his free transfer status, being on a potential scouting list.
Douglas recently spoke about his prospects this summer to the Yorkshire Evening Post. He admitted to being open to opportunities both at home and abroad. Therefore, whilst a move to Celtic may intrigue him, so too could broadening his horizons in Italy.
Celtic look to be in a race against time to seal this one. Whether we see this as an urgent deal to get done, however, is questionable at best.