Rodgers keen to meet wage demands as Celtic intensify move for Euro 2016 defender - report
By Alex Stevens
Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers is targeting a move for Blackburn centre-back Shane Duffy, according to a report.
The Scottish Sun claim Rodgers is keen to solve the club's defensive worries by signing Republic of Ireland international Shane Duffy.
It is said the 24-year-old centre-back is available for £2million as he enters the final year of his contract.
Rodgers wants Celtic to meet the wage demands of Duffy but the player is also attracting interest from Swansea and Crystal Palace, who can use the new Premier League broadcasting deal to offer an eyecatching salary.
The Rovers defender is on the former Liverpool manager's radar as he attempts to solve problems in the back four.
Current defender Jozo Simunovic will miss the Champions League qualifiers in July and isn't expected back before August.
Dedryck Boyata, who also missed the end of the 2015-16 season, is also struggling for fitness and is likely to miss out on the start of the campaign too.
Out-of-contract Charlie Mulgrew, who can also cover the centre-back position, is still mulling over a two-year extension.
This has left Rodgers with limited options and only Danish international Erik Sviatchenko as his only recognized central defender.
Duffy, who played for Republic of Ireland at Euro 2016, could be the ideal player for Rodgers to shore up his defence, although new Ewood Park boss Owen Coyle is likely to want to keep the 24-year-old centre-back.
Duffy quit Everton for Rovers two years ago and starred for the Lancashire club in the recently completed season as he made 42 appearances across all competitions.