Why Dara O’Shea transfer is now “very hard” for Celtic to get done after initial Bhoys approach

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The Celtic defensive line is undoubtedly an area of the team that could do with strengthening during the current transfer window.

With no competition for Greg Taylor and the futures of Yuki Kobayashi, Stephen Welsh, Gustaf Lagerbielke and Maik Nawrocki in question, a bit of quality must arrive to bolster Rodgers’ options.

In fairness, it seems that Brendan Rodgers and the club recognise that. There have been reported links to left-backs such as Owen Beck and Hugo Bueno, while it’s also said the club are looking for a new centre-back.

One of those central options was Dara O’Shea of Burnley. It was reported by Scottish media last month that Celtic had approached the English club after Brendan Rodgers identified him as a target.

Not much developed from those initial murmurs and it seems that O’Shea is now destined for a move elsewhere.

Celtic had ‘long-standing’ interest in Dara O’Shea

This week, it was reported by transfer journalist Graeme Bailey at HITC that Burnley are set to make a significant profit on the £7m they paid for the Republic of Ireland international, with Brentford the most likely destination as they ready a second bid.

Intrigued by the O’Shea update in the context of Celtic reports last month, 67 Hail Hail contacted Bailey for more on the situation.

He told us: “O’Shea had a very good first season in the Premier League despite Burnley’s struggles and I think once that happened it was only going to be very hard for Celtic.

“Celtic have had a long-standing interest, but the player is staying in England and I understand within the next week he is likely signing for Brentford – who have done their homework on him.”

The Scottish champions have effectively been priced out of the running. Celtic don’t appear to be ready to dip into eight-figure deals, despite the resources available.

Defender hunt may depend on shifting fringe players

Celtic currently have six central defenders on the books and it’s doubtful the club will want to add a seventh. That could mean shifting a few of the fringe options before a move for another arrival is sanctioned.

That is understandably frustrating for fans who want to see starting-eleven-quality in the door but it’s also the reality of the situation facing Rodgers.

Presumably Celtic have other targets in mind for the position so we’ll all see how it pans out over the next few weeks.