Bristol City appear to have moved ahead of Celtic in the race to sign Leeds United left-back Barry Douglas after opening talks with the player, Football Insider report.

The Hoops were name-checked with an interest in the 31-year-old earlier this month by the Lancashire Telegraph.

Rivals Rangers were also credited with an interest in the full-back, whose Elland Road deal expires in a matter of weeks.

Leeds boss Marcelo Bielsa called Douglas an ‘impeccable professional’ when he moved to Ewood Park on loan last season, with the Scot going on to make 31 appearances under Tony Mowbray.

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The Latest: Source shares update

Football Insider ran a story on Douglas on Tuesday morning after being informed by a recruitment source.

They claimed that Bristol City have opened talks with Douglas, who also has interest from Turkey and the United States.

The player’s wish is to remain in England, so it seems as if a potential move to Celtic Park has taken a hit.

The Verdict: Postecoglou could do with a left-back

Diego Laxalt returned to AC Milan following his loan spell at Parkhead last month, so new boss Ange Postecoglou could do with a left-back addition this summer.

It appears as if that may not be Douglas following the latest update, with Greg Taylor the only left-back on the books at Celtic Park at this moment in time.

If Postecoglou is after a left-back who is soon to be available for nothing, he could look at fellow Leeds man Ezgjan Alioski, Southampton’s Ryan Bertrand or even Liverpool youngster Yasser Larouci, with the trio just three left-backs at English sides who could be free agents soon.

In other news: Celtic transfer news emerges on 'excellent' ace; Postecoglou edging closer to first signing, find out more here.