Just when all appeared lost West Ham United could have new hope of beating Celtic to the signing of Shane Duffy.
UEFA give football fans real hope of stadium return
West Ham’s hopes of landing defender Duffy looked bleak earlier this week after his brother dropped a big hint he might join Celtic.
The likes of The Daily Record, The Irish Independent and insider ExWHUemployee have all reported West Ham and Celtic’s interest in the 28-year-old Brighton outcast.
West Ham boss David Moyes and his Celtic counterpart Neil Lennon are desperate for defensive reinforcements.
Hammers and Celtic chasing Duffy
That was never more evident for Celtic than in their 2-1 home defeat to Ferencvárosi which sent the Scottish giants crashing out of the Champions League on Wednesday night.
West Ham vice-chairman Karren Brady held talks with Duffy recently – read full story.
But ExWHUemployee revealed the Hammers face competition from Celtic and a number of other Premier League clubs.
Duffy’s best friend Sean Roddy sparked hope West Ham could beat Celtic in the race for the Irishman’s signature.
It came after Roddy replied to a Hammers fan on Instagram stating the Republic of Ireland centre-back “wanted” a switch to the London Stadium.
Duffy, who has been described as a boyhood Celtic fan, later gave the Bhoys hope when he chimed in on Twitter saying not to listen to his friend because “he doesn’t have a clue.”
Defender looked bound for Scottish champions
Duffy has an emotional family pull to West Ham which some thought may help the east Londoners beat Celtic in the battle for his signature.
The committed centre back’s dad Brian, who sadly passed away aged just 53 in May, was a West Ham ‘fanatic’ (The Sun).
There seemed to be a fatal twist for West Ham’s interest when Duffy boarded a plane reportedly bound for Scotland.
Duffy posted a picture on Instagram from aboard a plane simply saying: “Let’s go.”
And at the same time his brother posted a picture of the Celtic badge on his own Instagram account.
The posts were re-posted by Celtic Twitter account Everything Celtic.
“It looks like it’s finally happening,” the account said alongside the pictures.
“Shane Duffy boards flight as his brother posts the Celtic crest.”
🇮🇪 | Shane Duffy
It looks like it’s finally happening 🙌🏻
Shane Duffy boards flight as his brother posts the Celtic crest 👀🍀 pic.twitter.com/c1hTRsY6SV
— Everything Celtic (@aboutceltic) August 24, 2020
It has all gone quiet since, though.
Celtic fans fear Champions League exit could scupper move, door opens for Moyes
And according to the Brighton and Hove Independent, Celtic fans fear the Duffy transfer is in jeopardy after the club’s Champions League exit.
“The manner of the defeat to Ferencvárosi highlighted the need for a player such as Duffy but dropping out of Europe’s elite competition could have serious financial implications for the club,” Brighton and Hove Independent reports.
“With West Ham and West Brom still keen to land Duffy, sections of Celtic fans now fear the move is in doubt.”
The website 67 Hail Hail has reported the same fears among fans after the situation went quiet this week.
David Moyes has been told he must sell to buy this summer (Claret & Hugh).
He has raised £7.5million by offloading Jordan Hugill to Norwich and Albian Ajeti to Celtic.
Ironically that money could now be used by the Hammers to secure a deal for Duffy.