Celtic are keeping tabs on Derby County left-back Lee Buchanan, according to reliable reporter Alan Nixon in The Sun on Sunday, as cited by The 72.

The Lowdown: Buchanan profiled

The 20-year-old was labelled ‘incredible’ by his manager Wayne Rooney earlier this year. An England under-21 international, he can also play as a centre-back and has racked up 57 senior appearances for the Rams after progressing through the club's youth system.

He has been a regular in the English Championship this season and is his agency's top talent, with his £2.25m Transfermarkt valuation the highest of any Quantum Law LLP client.

The Latest: Nixon’s claim

According to Nixon in The Sun on Sunday (24.10.21, pg. 65), as relayed by The 72, Celtic have sent their top scout Mick Doherty to watch him in action.

The Hoops are hoping to bolster their left-back ranks with the acquisition of Buchanan and have taken the first step by looking at him firsthand.

At this moment in time, Buchanan will be out of contract at the end of the campaign, so the Hoops could possibly look at a pre-contract agreement in the New Year.

The Verdict: Smart move

Ange Postecoglou has had to use a number of different options at left-back after positional regular Greg Taylor had to undergo shoulder surgery.

Right-back Josip Juranovic filled in and scored from left-back most recently, but bringing in Buchanan, who Rooney feels will go on to play for England ‘within the next couple of years’ appears to be a smart move.

Celtic may also hold an advantage due to cross-border rules, so hopefully the Hoops can get a deal over the line and bring Buchanan to Glasgow over the coming months.

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