Celtic are set to make a bid for Kilmarnock left-back Greg Taylor, according to the Daily Record. The Scottish international is said to be manager Neil Lennon’s first choice ahead of Rosenborg’s Birger Meling and Brentford’s Rico Henry.

The defender is valued at £3m but it is believed that Jack Hendry could be used in a part exchange offer with the 24-year-old not in the club’s plans. The centre-back played just once under Lennon last season.

Taylor, on the other hand, is not a player that Kilmarnock are keen on selling, but Celtic are convinced that a deal can be done before the transfer window shuts on September 2nd.

The fullback reportedly missed training on Friday with speculation over a move to the Scottish champions. If he does make his move to Parkhead, the 21-year-old will rival Boli Bolingoli-Mbumbo for a place in the starting eleven.

Lennon has had to defend the Congolese defender and teammate Christopher Jullien after they came in for criticism for their performances, saying that he has talked to the pair about the pressures of playing for the club:

“It has been like this for aeons. Sometimes the fans get a little bit anxious but the other night I thought they were brilliant. Sometimes you let them get a bit of a grip of it first, then you can have a chat with them then, and tell them about your own experiences.