Celtic’s interest in Liam Scales appears to be a done deal according to a report in the Irish Mirror.
The defender turned 23 last month but it seems all but completed that he will swap one set of hoops for another with Dermot Desmond a significant shareholder at Shamrock Rovers.
Celtic’s defence looks short of options with the only business done so far in the window seeing Carl Starfelt come in to replace Kris Ajer.
At right-back Tony Ralston has played almost every minute of the seven competitive games so far this season. On the left Greg Taylor if first pick with Adam Montgomery as back-up with Boli Bolingoli well out of the picture.
Covering Rovers’ win away to Drogheda yesterday, the Irish Mirror reports:
Liam Scales is Celtic-bound by the end of the month as The Hoops’ stylish defender prepares to complete his move to Parkhead.
The 23-year-old produced yet another assured 90 minutes at Head In The Game Park with Stephen Bradley’s side collecting three valuable points in their quest to retain their Premier Division title.
The visitors survived a late rally by United but their overall performance merited the victory that leaves them on top of the table ahead of their crunch Europa Conference League play-off round showdown with Flora Tallinn.
Aaron Greene’s fifth league goal of the season in the 54th minute was sufficient to settle the game. And if Scales’ imminent exit for an up front fee of €600,000 plus add-ons will weaken Rovers to some degree, there are other factors that cushion the blow.
Bradley confirmed that Rovers have completed their work regarding Scales and although the manager didn’t confirm the destination, he did suggest that the deal will be completed by the close of the British transfer window on August 31.
While Celtic face up to AZ Alkmaar over the next two weeks Rovers take on Estonian side Flora Tallin for a place in the group stage of the UEFA Conference League.