BRIGHTON have given the green light for Shane Duffy’s dream move to Celtic.
And the Hoops are on on the verge of sealing a one-year loan for the 28-year-old Irish defender.
Shane Duffy, pictured celebrating after scoring for Brighton, is on the verge of joining CelticCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Duffy is a lifelong Celtic fan and Seagulls supremo Paul Barber admits they can’t stand in his way.
He said: “Shane has been absolutely magnificent for us, literally from the day he joined.
“He is a massive character on the pitch, but an even bigger character off it. He is loved by everyone at the club.
“We will be disappointed if we do lose him, but we also understand he wants to play football.
“It is a difficult decision for the manager because there are only so many centre-backs you can accommodate in one line-up.
“We will be talking about Shane’s future imminently, but he has been a fantastic servant for the club.”
West Brom and West Ham were both chasing Republic of Ireland stopper Duffy this summer but he made it clear he wanted to join Celtic.
Brighton were initially looking for a £2million loan fee and the majority of Duffy’s wages paid.
But Celtic are locked in talks to thrash out a deal after gaffer Neil Lennon made him a priority signing.
Duffy is due to head to Bulgaria with Ireland but hopes to complete the switch within days.
The former Everton and Blackburn star recently fell out of Graham Potter’s team at Brighton.
But Potter said: “You can understand the speculation because he is an important player. He is a big character and he wants to play football.”
Shane Duffy winds up Irish pal James McClean over his love of Celtic and Brendan Rodgers
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
