Celtic on the back foot as Aston Villa enter Andy Robertson’s race

Celtic now face competition for one of their top summer targets with Aston Villa entering the race to sign the “outstanding” player, who will be available on a free transfer this summer.

Villa are looking to strengthen their defence

Villa haven’t been in great form in recent weeks, winning just one of their last five games in all competitions, and only picked up a point against Leeds United in the Premier League on Saturday.

Tammy Abraham’s late strike from close range ensured the spoils were shared at Villa Park, but the chances of Unai Emery’s side challenging for the title this season look remote, with Manchester City and Arsenal winning.

However, the Villans are on course to qualify for the Champions League, which should give them the opportunity to sign top players in the summer, which is where they are looking to replace Lucas Digne.

This is according to former scout Mick Brown, who said: “I expect Villa will look to replace Digne.

“I’m told they’re very unhappy with the way he’s been playing lately, and if they can identify a replacement, they’ll want to do it.

Should Digne leave, Emery will need to bring in a new option at left-back, and according to a report from Caught Offside, Aston Villa are now in the race to sign Liverpool star Andy Robertson, whose contract expires at the end of the season.

Celtic have also been credited with an interest in signing their former schoolboy, as they have long served, but Villa’s status as Premier League rivals puts them on the back foot, with competition from Crystal Palace, Wolverhampton Wanderers and Atletico Madrid likely.

As things stand, Robertson will be available on a free transfer this summer, but his wage demands could be high, given that the defender is currently earning £160k-a-week at Anfield, and is keen to move between the English top flight.

“Outstanding” Robertson can be a strong point for Digne

At 31 years of age, the Liverpool defender is almost eight years younger than Digne, and it would be fair to say that he has achieved the most in the game, winning nine trophies, including two Premier League titles and the 2018-19 Champions League during his time with the Reds.

Hailed as “outstanding” by journalist Jim Nichol-Turner, the 90-time Scotland international has extensive experience, making 367 appearances for the Reds, scoring 12 goals and providing 68 assists.

The former Hull City man has fallen out of favor at Liverpool this season, with Milos Kerkez taking his place in the starting XI, but has impressed at times when called upon, scoring in the 6-0 win against Qarabag at the end of last month.

At 31 years old, Robertson may have a few years left in his prime, and could be a solid replacement for Digne.