Celtic step up chase for Blackburn's Shane Duffy

Republic of Ireland defender Shane Duffy is attracting interest from Celtic.

The Glasgow giants are hoping to entice Blackburn into a deal by allowing winger James Forrest to move in the opposite direction.

Should the two clubs agree a deal with Forrest, then Celtic are hoping they could open up talks with Duffy in a seperate deal, who impressed with Ireland at Euro 2016.

The Hoops, would however, face stiff opposition from several Premier Division clubs, including Swansea and West Brom, who have also shown interest in signing the 24 year-old Galliagh man.

And Blackburn boss, Owen Coyle recently declared his hopes of convincing Duffy to remain at Ewood Park.

“That’s certainly in my mind to keep those good players and try and be proactive in doing that,” said Coyle.

“Decisions will have to be made at some point and then we’ll take it from there.”

Duffy joined Blackburn from Everton in September 2014 and has made 60 league appearances in two seasons, scoring five goals.