Report: Manchester City join Arsenal in race for young Celtic defender

One of the highest-rated young defenders in Scotland is a Manchester City target. But there is competition.

According to a report from The Sun, the Citizens have stepped up their interest in Celtic FC left-back Kieran Tierney, who was one of the stars of the thrilling Champions League 3-3 draw between Celtic and City last week. The 19-year-old has been scouted by City for several months now, and Pep Guardiola was very impressed with what he saw from the player in that Champions League game.

Citing Etihad sources, The Sun's report goes into more detail about Pep's interest:

“Pep was impressed by Tierney’s non-stop running and refusal to hide on the night. City have built close links with Celtic in recent years with Patrick Roberts currently on loan there this season. Scouts have been watching him all season and last. The longer Celtic stay in the Champions League, the better.”

But City is not the only club looking to sign Tierney in the near future: Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has also been linked with moving for the youngster next summer, and we might see a cool battle between the Gunners and the Citizens for a very good young player.

Guardiola will be looking to replace his full-backs next season, and Tierney is the third player in that position to be linked with a move to Manchester, along with Arsenal rising star Héctor Bellerín and Benfica's Alex Grimaldo.