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Alan Nixon has issued an update on Celtic’s pursuit of Derby youngster Lee Buchanan amid further interest from EFL Championship clubs.
The journalist took to Twitter as he commented on the rumours linking the Bhoys with the young English full-back.
His right-sided colleague in Nathan Byrne is also under consideration, though the 20-year-old is attracting salient interest from the Bhoys.
Nottingham Forest have reportedly lodged a £1.2 million bid that could force other suitors into action, though there is plenty of scope to manoeuvre in the market with a bid far from being accepted.
Celtic will reportedly make moves for Buchanan if Forest’s early interest fails to materialise in a deal, according to the Daily Record.
The England under-21 impressed for Wayne Rooney’s side last term as the Rams ensured survival, though the youngster is out of contract in the summer.
Derby’s current transfer embargo may restrict the club’s willingness to let talent leave however, with Derby only able to sign free agents or loan in players on short-term deals.
With the situation for Derby appearing increasingly complicated, Nixon played down immediate expectations that Celtic could step up their interest in Buchanan.
The writer claimed that there is ‘definite interest’ when asked by a fan on Twitter but added that he is ‘not sure they will offer the money to tempt Derby to sell’.
Twitter: Definite interest. But not sure they will offer the money to tempt Derby to sell. https://t.co/f4jaZtY6Jd (@reluctantnicko)
Twitter: Stays at the moment. Forest need to make a better offer. Or Celtic … https://t.co/khE5ZQ7Zvn (@reluctantnicko)
Read Celtic Verdict
Put simply, it would be premature to be excited over the prospect of a Buchanan deal.
Targeting a young promising youth international in a key position for Ange Postecoglou’s side fits Celtic’s transfer philosophy, but Nixon’s comments confirm the complicated situation os a barrier to any imminent deal.