Kieran Tierney 'will reject rival offers in favour of Celtic return' - Transfer guru

Arsenal left-back Kieran Tierney is set to turn down offers from other interested clubs in favour of a return to his boyhood club Celtic in January.

This is according to former Man United and Blackburn chief scout Mick Brown, who remains very well-connected within the game, as he exclusively told Football Insider that multiple clubs are considering moves for his signature.

Brown told Football Insider in November that Arsenal were open to cashing in on the left-back in January in a last-ditch attempt to raise money from his sale.

Now, the Gunners are expected to entertain potential loan moves to help facilitate his eventual departure upon the expiry of his deal.

Tierney, 27, is out of contract at the end of the season and will be allowed to agree a pre-transfer deal in January to move for free in the summer.

Reports have claimed that Celtic are exploring a deal to sign the defender on loan in January while also agreeing a pre-contract agreement for his permanent transfer.

During his time at Parkhead, he made 170 appearances and became the club captain before leaving for a then-Scottish record transfer fee of £25million.

Kieran Tierney wants Celtic return after new transfer twist

However, Celtic are expected to be joined in the race for his signature by a number of clubs including some in the Premier League who wish to strengthen at left-back.

Brown, who has a wealth of experience in top-level player recruitment after spending over a decade at Man United during their most successful period, insisted he has heard the left-back is keen on a return to his boyhood club and will look to make it happen.

"When he left Celtic, people said he was the best player in Scotland," he told Football Insider.

"Initially, he did very well for Arsenal, but then he started to fade and picked up a few injuries.

"Arsenal have now made the decision that he isn't good enough for them and what they're looking to be, so they're open to seeing him leave.

"They'd like to make some money back for him, but that might not be possible.

"I know a lot of clubs are interested in him, including in the Premier League, because there aren't too many top-level left-backs available at the moment.

"But from what I hear, he's very much in favour of a move back to Scotland and a return to Celtic and would snub other offers in favour of that move.

"So I think he might be the one driving that deal as much as anybody else."

In other news, Celtic could seal £5million winger signing.

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