Celtic must accelerate reported hunt to snap up semi-finalist defender after latest development
COMMENT
Celtic have just been handed a blow in their reported hopes of signing Yeovil defender Tom James in the summer transfer window with a spate of new clubs joining the race to get him.
This latest development comes after the Independent reported that Celtic, Swansea and Bournemouth were also eyeing up the former Cardiff defender with him being valued at less than £500,000.
Brendan Rodgers will have to move fast if he really wants to sign James in the summer now that three more clubs are pursuing the Wales youth international, especially because he could potentially solve a number of problem areas that need addressing at Parkhead.
James is an extremely versatile player who can play anywhere across the back-line.
As Yeovil reached the EFL Trophy semi-final last month, he played at both left-back and centre-back whereas in the league he has spent most of his game-time at right-back.
Celtic have issues with the full-back positions and James could effectively kill two birds with one stone.
There is no real back-up to Kieran Tierney while Mikael Lustig and Cristian Gamboa's performances at right-back prove that position needs bolstering the summer.
James may not be a big signing that every fan would want, but he would certainly be a great squad player and for such a small price, it's worthwhile in making an effort to sign him.