Celtic are close to agreeing pre-contract terms with Arsenal left-back Kieran Tierney.
The 27-year-old, who has entered the final six months of his contract with Arsenal, is in talks about returning to Glasgow in the summer.
The Hoops are also expected to explore the possibility of taking Tierney on loan until the end of the season, especially if they qualify for the Champions League knockout stages.
Tierney has been told he could leave the north London club by Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta.
He missed the first three months of the season with a serious hamstring injury sustained while playing for Scotland in Euro 2024 and has made just two appearances for Arsenal in the Carabao Cup and FA Cup since returning to fitness.
When asked about the 27-year-old's departure this month, Arteta said: “All the players here just want to focus on the impact on the team. If something happens, we will evaluate it.”
Kieran Tierney has 47 caps for Scotland
Heaven in Italy Como is reportedly interested in loaning out Barcelona left-back Alex Vale, who is currently on loan at Celtic.
They are aware that any move for Vale is contingent on Tierney joining Celtic this month.
Meanwhile, there is currently no agreement on a new contract for current Celtic left-back Greg Taylor, with his contract set to expire in the summer.
Rodgers is tough on Tierney's move
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Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers talks about a potential return to the club for Arsenal's Kieran Tierney and his January transfer plans.
Speaking earlier this month, Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers refused to ask whether he planned to bring Tierney back to Celtic, although he described the Scotland and Arsenal left-back as “one of our own”.
“Yes, we will always be associated with the great players, especially the players who are one of us,” Rodgers said.
He added: “Kieran was a key part of a really successful period when I was here, and then his talents took him to another challenge in the Premier League.”
“So, yes, we will be linked with a lot of names, obviously Kieran, of course because of his situation. But for us, we will only tell you when we sign a player, once he signs.”
Why might Tierney be tempted by a Celtic return?
Tierney made over 170 appearances for Celtic and won five Scottish Premiership titles during his time with the club.
talking to Corey Club Podcast with Darryl Corey In 2022, Tierney has not ruled out a return to Celtic:
“I think when a player who loves the club leaves, there are always questions about what if he comes back, and you can't rule anything out,” he said.
“I will always love Celtic, I will always support Celtic, so you never know what's in football.”
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