Report: Celtic to offer Blackburn a player in exchange for Shane Duffy

Shane Duffy continues to be linked with a move to Celtic.

The Blackburn Rovers' defender is in the final year of his deal at the club, and has seen his stock rise in recent months. Duffy put in a series of encouraging displays in the Championship last season, and made his Republic of Ireland breakthrough ahead of Euro 2016, earning his second cap against Switzerland in a man-of-the-match performance. The 24-year-old came into Martin O'Neill's starting XI for the crucial games against Italy and France at the tournament and, despite getting sent-off against the hosts, Duffy appears to be on the radar of a number of clubs. Swansea and West Brom are reportedly interested, but it's Celtic that have been repeatedly linked with a move for the player. According to The Derry Journal, Brendan Rodgers' side are preparing to step up their interest in the central defender, and will offer winger James Forrest as part of the deal. Celtic are currently light of options at the back. Jozo Simunovic and Dedryck Boyata are both injured, Erik Sviatchenko suffering a knock at the weekend in a friendly game, and Efe Ambrose put in a nightmare performance against the Lincoln Red Imps last week. Duffy has made 69 appearances for Blackburn since joining the club two years ago. He came through at Everton, but only made five appearances over five years at the Merseyside club.