Exclusive: Celtic and Sunderland racing to sign Antonino Gallo
Celtic and Sunderland are eyeing moves for Lecce defender Antonino Gallo, sources have told Football Insider.
The 26-year-old has impressed for Lecce in Serie A this season and he has emerged on the radar of a number of clubs across Europe.
Celtic and Sunderland are keen to bolster their full-back options and they have been keeping tabs on left-back Gallo.
The Italian has made 175 appearances for Lecce, scoring one goal and contributing 10 assists for the club in all competitions.
Sunderland search for Arthur Masuaka replacement
Sunderland have allowed left-back Arthur Masuaka to leave the club on loan until the end of the season, with the 32-year-old joining French club Lens.
Manager Regis Le Bris therefore needs cover for Reinildo Mandava, who has cemented his position as the club’s starting left-back this season.
Sunderland have allowed Dan Neil to leave the club, and more departures may still be on the cards before the January window shuts.
Le Bris could also be looking to strengthen his squad following Sunderland’s 3-1 defeat at West Ham, which made it just one win in seven Premier League games.
The Blacks Cats have slipped to 11th in the Premier League table following a fine start to the season, and are 13 points above the bottom three with 15 games to play.
Celtic need Kieran Tierney cover
Celtic could be active in the final days of the January window, and Martin O’Neill may be looking for extra cover for Kieran Tierney.
Marcelo Saracchi has endured an injury-hit loan spell at Celtic, meaning Tierney is the only natural left-back available to O’Neill.
The 27-year-old, who joined on loan from Boca Juniors in the summer transfer window, has made just eight appearances in the Scottish Premiership for Celtic this season.
Tierney though has also endured his fair share of injury problems throughout the years, and Celtic may not be able to rely on his fitness through to the end of the campaign.
Celtic signed right-back Julian Araujo on loan from Bournemouth, amid Alastair Johnston’s injury, earlier in the window, and O’Neill could now target Gallo as his second defensive addition.