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Celtic wonderkid Kieran Tierney is Manchester United’s No 1 target, says former Prem star John Hartson

The former Arsenal forward believes that the youngster is destined for greatness, but should stay with The Hoops for now

VETERAN John Hartson has claimed that Celtic ace Kieran Tierney is a top target for Manchester United this summer.

However, the former Wales international has urged the sought-after defender to stay put for another season.

 The 20-year-old defender has also attracted interest from Tottenham this summer
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The 20-year-old defender has also attracted interest from Tottenham this summerCredit: Rex Features
 The former Celtic striker claimed that the defender will be worth £50m if he continues to progress with Celtic
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The former Celtic striker claimed that the defender will be worth £50m if he continues to progress with CelticCredit: Kenny Ramsay - The Sun Glasgow

Hartson has valued the defender at around £20-25million, but he believes that this fee could double if he has a good Champions League campaign.

With four years left on his contract at Celtic Park, Hartson believes that another 12 months with Celtic will benefit all concerned before he considers a high-profile move.

Speaking on BBC's Scottish Football Podcast, Hartson said:"I'm hearing he's Manchester United's number one target.

"But why on earth would Brendan Rodgers sell Tierney right now?

"If I'm Brendan Rodgers, Im saying to [Jose] Mourinho, 'Let him have another season here, keep your £25-30m for now, he's got Champions League football, he loves playing for Celtic.

"If Kieran Tierney has another season, if he's outstanding in the Champions League, playing really well against the top teams, in the spotlight, all over the world being looked at by the top clubs.

 Hartson believes that Brendan Rodgers should keep the youngster at Celtic Park for another season
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Hartson believes that Brendan Rodgers should keep the youngster at Celtic Park for another seasonCredit: Kenny Ramsay - The Sun Glasgow
 The Celtic full-back has emerged as a top target for Premier League giants Manchester United
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The Celtic full-back has emerged as a top target for Premier League giants Manchester UnitedCredit: Rex Features

"All of a sudden, next year or the year after, you're getting £45-50m for him.

"That's how inflated these prices are now in terms of everybody paying absolutely massive odds, because the transfer have gone absolutely ridiculous. It's absurd.

"I have every confidence in Kieran Tierney to become a top, top player. He is a great player now, but he can only get better," Hutson confirmed.

 Rodgers with Tierney aftfer Celtic's victory against Inverness Caledonian Thistle in the Scottish Cup
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Rodgers with Tierney aftfer Celtic's victory against Inverness Caledonian Thistle in the Scottish CupCredit: Kenny Ramsay - The Sun Glasgow

Tierney has tallied a total of 85 appearances for his club since making his competitive debut in April 2015.

Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho has been mulling over his defensive options, despite already spending in excess of £150million.

The Reds chief has already signed Nemanja Matic, Romelu Lukaku and Victor Lindelof, but he continues his attempts to bolster his defence.

 The 20-year-old has emerged as one of the most sought-after talents in Scottish football
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The 20-year-old has emerged as one of the most sought-after talents in Scottish footballCredit: Kenny Ramsay - The Sun Glasgow

Mourinho has spoken openly about his hope to make a fourth signing, with Tierney emerging as a top target.

The Portuguese boss has also been linked with defenders Ivan Perisic of Inernazionale and Tottenham's Danny Rose this summer.



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