Report: Shane Duffy in disagreement with Brighton as he pushes for Celtic move

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Shane Duffy has his heart set on a move to Celtic after a personal call from manager Neil Lennon, The Scottish Mail on Sunday has reported today (16/08 print edition, back page).

The paper say that Duffy’s agents have informed Brighton he wants a move to the Scottish Premiership this summer, despite a number of Premier League clubs being interested in his services.

Newly promoted Leeds United, as well as West Ham, Burnley and West Brom are all said to be in the hunt for the Republic of Ireland international.

Brighton are resistant to a short-term loan at the Scottish champions, much preferring to pursue a permanent offer from that quartet.

It’s said that the club and their player are now ‘at odds’.

The report in the Scottish Mail on Sunday (16/08, page 147) goes on to state that the Seagulls also aren’t interested in subsidising Duffy’s wages and could command a £12m fee if he moves within the English top-flight.

It all adds up to be a rather frustrating scenario for us as Hoops supporters, with Celtic offering a dream move to a quality player with elite experience, only for roadblocks to be put up by the other club.

Brighton are well within their rights to do that of course. Duffy is still contracted to the club until 2023 too, so they really hold all the cards (Transfermarkt).

However, the thought of a passionate Duffy slotting into our defensive line and helping us in our ten-in-a-row quest is an exciting one and hopefully a way forward can be found that suits all parties.

The 28-year-old has an excellent pedigree having spent the majority of his career in the Premier League and Championship, also earning 33 caps for his country.

With a strong physical presence and committed defensive style, he looks to be the ideal signing when it comes to strengthening Lennon’s options at the back.

Can the negotiation team at Celtic possibly work some magic here and bring the Derry man to Scotland?

My fingers are crossed, just like Duffy’s.

In other news, Celtic are said to have made a ‘great offer’ for Aaron Hickey as he gets ready to make a decision on his future.