A couple of days ago, there were a couple of articles in the local Naples media claiming the Serie A side were interested in Celtic’s Kieran Tierney.
Both were clear that the Scottish left-back was high on Carlo Ancelotti’s list despite advanced talks with Arsenal, and now we have Alex McLeish, formerly of Rangers, talking up an exit from Parkhead in the Italian media.
The manager, who spent five years in charge at Ibrox between 2001 and 2006, was invited to talk about Celtic’s 22-year-old, whom he managed between 2018-19 during his short tenure in charge of the Scotland national team.
He told Radio Marte, relayed by CalcioNapoli24: “Tierney is ready for the big jump and to go in a more important club than Celtic. When his team played Barcelona, Manchester City or Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League, he always stood out, and that makes him ready. He’s got attacking qualities, but is also a great defender.
“He’s very young and while he had a few injuries, there’s no particular problems. He’s really quick and not only a player who knows how to defender. He’s got stamina, can run many kilometres without stopping. We’re talking about a real athlete. Ancelotti has the right qualities to get the best out of Tierney’s potential, and Napoli would be a great step for him.”
Talks between Arsenal and Celtic have already taken place for the defender’s transfer, but, as things stand, the Gunners have yet to meet the Scottish Premiership champions’ asking price.
This leaves an opening for Napoli, who could go all out for the Scot if Ancelotti pushes for his signature.
As for McLeish, we’re sure he was just doing the right thing in his mind for Tierney, but a former Rangers manager talking up a Celtic exit…
Well, we’re not saying he’s stirring anything, but, you know…
