Odds slashed: Dramatic twist in Celtic bid to sign £2m Euro 2016 star

By Will Butcher

The odds have been slashed on Shane Duffy signing for Swansea ahead of long-term favourites Celtic.

The 24-year-old Blackburn centre-back has been linked with The Hoops all summer, with Brendan Rodgers in need of a new defender.

However, betting company BetVictor slashed Swansea's odds to 1/2 on Sunday morning and they are now favourites to sign the former Everton centre-back, with Celtic out to 5/2.

Rodgers seemed to be alone in pursuing Duffy, who is widely known as a Celtic fan. A move to the Premier League though, could be too good to turn down as Swansea close in.

According to BetVictor, it's very much a two-horse race to sign Duffy, with Crystal Palace the next best shot at 16/1.

Duffy has enhanced his reputation on the biggest stage, with some resolute defending against the best in Europe.

A stunning performance against Italy helped Ireland progress from the group stage with a 1-0 win, but Duffy was subsequently sent off in the Round of 16 after sacrificing himself by taking down France's star-man Antoine Griezmann when he looked set to score.

A fee of £2million has been reported as likely to acquire Duffy's services. Blackburn manager Owen Coyle is looking to cash in on his centre-back, who only has 12 months remaining on his contract.

The Swans are in the market for a centre-back, with only captain Ashley Williams, Federico Fernandez and Jordi Amat recognised as first-team options. Celtic are also on the hunt, and have also been linked with free agent Kolo Toure.

In other Celtic news, Rodgers is looking to his old club Liverpool to sign this 23-year-old goalkeeper.