It may have been wishful thinking following on from a report in the Daily Mail but some very well followed Celtic Twitter accounts are expecting Shane Duffy to become a Celtic player next week.
The Brighton defender seems to match the exact profile of what Celtic appear to be looking for in defence with the added bonus that he is a life-long supporter.
Duffy is a very different type of defender to the departed Jozo Simunovic. The 28-year-old from Derry is a warrior with a fierce will to win, an organiser and leader whether or not he has an armband on.
In an Ireland shirt over the last five years he has stood out as he did under Chris Hughton as Brighton battled their way into the EPL and remainder there.
Graham Potter has different ideas for how his Brighton side will develop and although Duffy signed a new contract last October that seems to be geared more towards protecting his value than seeing him as central to Brighton’s plans until 2023.
Currently Neil Lennon has Chris Jullien and Kris Ajer miles ahead as first picks in central defence with both players having similar strengths and crucially weakness.
On paper pairing either of those players alongside Duffy or creating a back three would seem to automatically strengthen that area of the team.
Celtic can add Albian Ajeti and one other signing to their Champions League squad by 11pm on Monday. That may be an unrealistic timetable but next Saturday at Tannadice could be a memorable day for Duffy and his network of Celtic fans.
Two different sources telling me a deal with Duffy is done. One more and I’ll tweet it.
— Richard McGinley (@Richiestoke) August 14, 2020
Shane Duffy signing next week is talk in the hills of south derry ?
— Paul the tim (@paulthetim) August 14, 2020
? Si Ferry: “I’ve heard that it could be happening. I’ve heard that Shane Duffy is a possibility. I think he has spoken to Celtic and for me it’s exactly the type of centre-half Celtic need.”
— celticbible (@celticbible) August 14, 2020
Regarding Shane Duffy
My cousin is good pals with Shane’s cousin. They drink in the bogside Inn in derry together when my cousin goes up from Belfast. He text him earlier saying its on. Celtic and Brighton sorting out the wage agreement then it’s going to be announced
— Gerard Green (@GerryGreener31) August 14, 2020
Looks like Shane Duffy is on the way to Celtic.
— 3rdFrame (@The3rdFrame) August 14, 2020
PODCAST | Deal or No Deal@philegansport joined @EoinSheahan & @ShaneHannon01 on #OTBAM!
– Sancho latest
– Declan Rice next move
– Shane Duffy to Celtic?
– Jan Oblak to Chelsea?https://t.co/iHzLRI0mZq— Off The Ball (@offtheball) August 14, 2020
Shane Duffy to Celtic transfer boost as odds on Parkhead move tumblehttps://t.co/24ShANnGFR pic.twitter.com/bZFMrjlwZM
— Glasgow Live Sport (@GLiveSport) August 14, 2020