Neil Lennon looks to Premier League veteran for Celtic
Published:Celtic’s summer recruitment drive could begin with the acquisition of Fulham veteran Damien Duff, with the Irish winger available on a free transfer this summer.
Out until the end of the season through injured and aged 35, the former Blackburn and Chelsea star is in the final few months of his current deal with the Cottagers and looks increasingly unlikely to stay at the club.
Fulham are the 1/7 favourites for the drop after a 3-1 home defeat to Everton left them five points from safety with just six games left to play.
Felix Magath’s team could even finish the season bottom of the Premier League – something they are 11/10 to do so with the bookmakers – with a tricky trip to Aston Villa up next for the London club.
In the meantime Duff has been left to consider his future from the sidelines and in a recent interview spoke about his desire to finish his career in his native Ireland.
Speaking to the Dublin Evening Herald, the midfielder discussed his long term future in the game.
“… I am not planning on hanging up the boots any time soon,” he said.
“There is plenty more left in the tank. Obviously I have to get fit first but I am definitely going to play at home in Ireland.”
Whether a move to the Emerald Isles is imminent remains to be seen however, with Duff unlikely to be able to resist the overtures of a club like Celtic.
Duff would most likely operate as cover for Neil Lennon’s squad and given his history of reaching the semi-finals of the Champions League with Chelsea, his experience could prove useful, with the Bhoys eager to improve their performances in Europe.
Acting as a Ryan Giggs-like figure at the club, Duff may represent a short-term solution for the Hoops, but it could prove an astute move for a club keen to show financial restraint where possible.
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.
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