Celtic are pressing the accelerator in their pursuit of Ireland international defender Shane Duffy, according to the Derry Journal.
Bhoys boss Brendan Rodgers has identified the 24-year-old as one of his preferred signings this summer, but is claimed to be facing opposition from Swansea City and West Brom.
But Celtic are hoping that by concluding a deal with Blackburn to allow winger James Forrest to head the other way then the path with be smoothed for Duffy to land at Celtic Park.
Blackburn boss Owen Coyle wants to add the speedy winger to his ranks and Celtic are aiming to then open talks to sign Duffy in a separate deal.
Blackburn signed Duffy in 2014 from Premier League side Everton and he has clocked up 60 appearances for the Ewood Park outfit since arriving.
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Celtic are looking to bolster their squad as they aim to reach the Champions League group stage under Rodgers, something they could not do under his predecessor Ronny Deila.
The Bhoys suffered a shock 1-0 defeat in Gibraltar in the first leg of their second qualifying round tie last week against Lincoln Red Imps, however they are expected to turn the tables in the return leg this week.
