Transfer Latest: Celtic given Lee Buchanan boost by Derby County Administrators

The Celtic Star

·20 January 2022

Transfer Latest: Celtic given Lee Buchanan boost by Derby County Administrators

One player who has been rumoured for some to be on Celtic’s radar is Derby County left back Lee Buchanan. The 20-year-old full back was heavily linked to Celtic last summer, and the Derby Telegraph had advised of ‘renewed interest,’ stating Celtic are one of a multitude of clubs considering the youngsters talents in this window.

Celtic of course have made successful cross border raids recently, however Jeremie Frimpong is the only one who has really bothered the first team. That said Buchanan is highly rated at Derby, has played 16 times this season, and 60 times overall, despite only being 20 years old, and Rams manager Wayne Rooney had been quoted that interest had indeed resulted in bids, but not yet to the satisfaction of the club.

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Jack Stacey of AFC Bournemouth is put under pressure by Lee Buchanan of Derby County during the Sky Bet Championship match between Derby County and AFC Bournemouth at Pride Park Stadium on November 21, 2021 in Derby, England. (Photo by Nathan Stirk/Getty Images)

That however may be due to change, according to a Daily Mail report with Derby County in serious danger of liquidation after entering administration, and requiring to resolve their massive £29million debt with HMRC, Derby players have now been told to speak with the administrators if they want to leave. Previously it was reported the club had infuriated other clubs by rejecting offers for players, despite their financial position.

Rooney had been wishing to keep his squad together as the fought off relegation, despite a 21-point pre-season deduction of points, but with Mike Ashley also being rumoured to be walking away from a potential buyout of County, and Rooney himself linked with the vacant Everton job following the sacking of Rafa Benitez, the club now need money to satisfy league bosses they can continue as a going concern and fulfil their league fixtures, and Rooney himself would appear to be in no position to advise players to remain given his own links with a move away from the club.

Parais Maghoma of Tottenham Hotspur and Lee Buchanan of Derby County in action during the Premier League 2 match between Derby County and Tottenham Hotspur at Pride Park on October 26, 2018 in Derby, England. (Photo by Nathan Stirk/Getty Images)

As such with the transfer window open and Derby very much in need of funds, if Celtic’s long rumoured interest in Lee Buchanan remains, now would surely be the time to make an offer for the twice capped under 21 England international.

Niall J