West Ham United could beat Celtic to the signing of defender Shane Duffy due to an emotional family pull to the Hammers.
Have Celtic shot themselves in the foot as West Ham turn tables to try and secure signing?
The likes of The Daily Record, The Irish Independent and insider ExWHUemployee have all reported West Ham and Celtic’s interest in 28-year-old defender Duffy.
West Ham boss David Moyes and his Celtic counterpart Neil Lennon are desperate for defensive reinforcements.
West Ham and Celtic go to battle for Ireland defender Duffy
And the Hammers and Hoops have made Duffy their main target.
Ironically Celtic could have shot themselves in the foot by boosting cash-strapped West Ham’s transfer kitty to the tune of £5million by signing Albian Ajeti.
West Ham vice-chairman Karren Brady has since held talks with Brighton outcast Duffy over a move – read full story.
But ExWHUemployee revealed the Hammers face competition from Celtic and a number of other Premier League clubs.
Defender’s best friend claimed Duffy wants Hammers switch
Duffy’s best friend Sean Roddy sparked hope West Ham could beat Celtic to land the Brighton outcast.
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.”
Wouldn’t listen to a word he says he ain’t got a clue 😂
— Shane Duffy (@shaneduffy) August 23, 2020
But Duffy does have an emotional family pull to West Ham which could help the east Londoners beat Celtic in the battle for his signature.
That’s because Duffy’s dad Brian, who sadly passed away aged just 53 in May, was a West Ham ‘fanatic’.
Duffy’s emotional pull to West Ham after death of West Ham ‘fanatic’ dad Brian
Before West Ham played Brighton back in 2018, Brian Duffy took to social media to reveal his quandary.
He posted on Facebook: “West Ham fan here, but my son Shane plays for Brighton.
“I hate these matches. 1-1 all day for me.”
When asked about his dad’s pre-match prediction, Duffy told Sun Sport at the time: “I don’t know what he does on there, but he always seems to be on it.
“He loves the old social media. He’s obviously always been a massive supporter of mine though – I’m sure he won’t be too gutted if it’s a home win.”
‘You were my hero and idol’
Duffy posted an emotional tribute to his dad on Instagram after he passed away.
“U weren’t just my dad u were my hero my idol,” Duffy said on Instagram.
“I’ll miss ringing u after the match and you telling me how shite I was 😂 daddy I love you and miss you look after us all now everytime I put that green shirt on for our country I’ll be thinking about you because I know how proud u were me playing for Ireland! Love you and miss you.”
Whether the emotional West Ham connection for Duffy will help Moyes beat his old club Celtic to the signing remains to be seen.
According to his good friend Roddy there will be a resolution this week.
If he is right West Ham and Celtic shouldn’t have to wait too much longer to find out.