Celtic full-back Kieran Tierney has emerged as Manchester United’s “number one target”, according to John Hartson.
The highly-rated 20-year-old has emerged as one of the most sought-after talents in Scottish football, with leading clubs from the English Premier League casting admiring glances in his direction.
Tierney 7/1 to score anytime tomorrow
It is expected to be only a matter of time before Tierney makes a move south of the border, with talk of possible £25 million deals already doing the rounds.
Former Hoops striker Hartson believes Old Trafford could be a possible landing spot for the left-back, but also feels that another 12 months in Glasgow would benefit all concerned before a high-profile switch is considered.
He told the BBC’s Scottish Football Podcast: “I’m hearing he’s Manchester United’s number one target.
“But why on earth would Brendan Rodgers sell Tierney right now?
“If I’m Brendan Rodgers, I’m saying to [Jose] Mourinho, ‘Let him have another season here, keep your £25-30m for now, he’s got Champions League football, he loves playing for Celtic’.
“Give him another year, 18 months at this level until he becomes more of a man, more established, more mature physically, then in 12-18 months' time, there is no doubt Kieran Tierney will go on and play for one of the top three or four clubs in England, and become one of the best left-backs in Europe.
“I have every confidence in Kieran Tierney to become a top, top player. He is a great player now, but he can only get better.”
Tierney made his competitive debut for Celtic in April 2015 and has gone on to make 85 appearances for the club.
He has also earned senior international recognition with Scotland, with four caps won since making his bow in March 2016.
