Chelsea have entered the race for Celtic left-back Kieran Tierney and are plotting a summer move for the defender, who has also been linked with moves to Manchester United and Arsenal in the recent past.

The 19-year-old has established himself as a regular in the Celtic side under Brendan Rodgers and played a key role in helping them retain the Scottish Premiership this season. Tierney made 36 appearances in all competitions and contributed with 12 assists showing that his attacking prowess is as adept as his defensive ability.

More from IBTimes UK

The Scotland international's impressive show during the course of the season has attracted interest from the Premier League big guns and the Scottish club are likely to receive offers for his services in the summer.

The Daily Mail reports that Antonio Conte's side have earmarked him as a potential target, with the Italian manager making signing a left-back a priority in the summer. Celtic are not keen to sell one of their brightest prospects and have reportedly slapped a £17m ($22m) price tag on the young defender, who has been nominated for the Scottish PFA young Player of the Year award.

Chelsea, however, will not find it easy to convince Tierney to move to Stamford Bridge with United and Arsenal likely to provide a stiff challenge by tempting him to move in their direction. According to the Manchester Evening News, the Red Devils will hold a slight advantage over their Premier League rivals as the defender is said to prefer a move to Old Trafford over his other suitors.

Kieran Tierney
Kieran Tierney contributed 12 assists from left-back for Celtic this season Reuters

Rodgers is hoping the club can hold on to their top stars during the summer transfer window, with Moussa Dembele being another player attracting interest from the England's top-flight elite. The Scottish champions have had to turn down offers for the forward during the January transfer window this year and are likely to be sounded out for both the players yet again in the summer.

Chelsea FC