Sources: Celtic battle English clubs to sign Liverpool star who could leave in January
Championship clubs are planning to join Celtic in the race to sign Liverpool starlet Luke Chambers in January, sources have told Football Insider.
Chambers has emerged as a left-back target for the Hoops as they plan ahead for the winter transfer window.
The 22-year-old has stayed at Anfield past the summer deadline after being included in Andoni Iraola's pre-season plans.
He has found competitive game time hard to come by so far, but did make the bench as they took on Atletico Madrid in the Champions League on Wednesday night.
As I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider's Transfer Insider podcast, Celtic will not be alone in their pursuit of his services as numerous English Championship sides also eye a move.
Chambers spent the second half of last season on loan at Charlton Athletic, making 18 league appearances as they survived relegation from the second tier.
Celtic must beat Championship competitors to land Luke Chambers
The left-back came through Liverpool's academy and made his first foray into senior football in Scotland during a successful loan stint at Kilmarnock in 2023.
He has also spent time on loan at Wigan in League One, as well as featuring four times for the Reds' first team in the 2023-24 campaign.
Liverpool may well be open to a permanent exit for Chambers in January, with his contract currently set to expire next June.
Speaking on the Transfer Insider podcast, I explained: "Celtic are keeping tabs on Chambers' situation to see if he does become available in January. Whether that's on loan, or permanent, that remains to be seen. I'm sure there'll be a lot of competition for his services if he does become available in January because he has done quite well on a couple of loans away from Anfield previously.
"A number of Championship clubs will be keen on signing him, whether that's on loan or whether Liverpool open the door to a permanent sale come the January window."
Liverpool delaying Virgil van Dijk talks despite contract uncertainty
Van Dijk remains a crucial part of Iraola's plans as it stands, even though his current contract is also set to expire next summer.
Several top clubs across Europe and the Middle East would like to sign him on a free transfer as he continues to prove his quality at 35-years-old.
Despite uncertainty around his future, sources have revealed to Football Insider that Liverpool are not planning to enter talks over a new contract with Van Dijk until next year.