REPORTS IN ITALY have claimed that Celtic have made a loan-to-buy offer for Sampdoria’s defender Omar Colley. Earlier this month, it was reported by the Italian media outlet Calciomercato that the Scottish Champions are interested in bringing the Gambian to Glasgow but face a hefty fee of £13.5m if they wish to entice the 27-year-old into a transfer from Serie A.
Now, Italian newspaper Secolo XIX are reporting (as per the Scottish Sun) that Neil Lennon’s side have made an offer for the defender. It is believed that Celtic have offered £7.6m with £1.8m inclusive as a loan fee.
With 12 caps to his name as well as 31 appearances last season with the Italian side gives him the kind of experience that Neil Lennon needs in his defence.
Celtic have been linked to Shane Duffy in recent weeks but there has been nothing concrete meaning the club will need to look to the wider transfer market for defensive recruits. Kris Ajer and Christopher Jullien remain the only senior, natural defenders at the club following Jozo Simunovic’s departure.
A third defender would allow Neil Lennon to play 3-5-2 domestically as well as giving a physical presence at the back. Although Kris Ajer appears to be a target of Southampton for a fee in the region of £20m, this would possibly allow Celtic to open the purse strings.
At the moment, the fee quoted may be too low for Sampdoria to accept from Celtic, especially given the fact they bought the defender for £7m.
