Norwich City, Blackburn & Middlesbrough face Celtic threat in race to sign £2m star | OneFootball

James Penrice has now been the subject of enquiries from Celtic, following links with Championship clubs

The transfer saga surrounding James Penrice this summer has gained another suitor, as the 27-year-old continues to be one of the more sought-after defenders this summer.

Penrice has spent the last year at AEK Athens, following a £2 million switch from Hearts. Despite calling the move "life-changing" at the time, the full-back hasn't had much enjoyment in Greece thus far.

The 27-year-old was part of the side who ensured the Greek Super League title came back to Athens after seven seasons of third and second placed finishes, but he played more of a supporting role throughout it.

Penrice made just 20 appearances in the league campaign, being left on the bench numerous times, including in two of the final three games, which helped secure the title. In the UEFA Conference League, he played no part in the knockout rounds, of which his side made the quarter-finals.

Therefore, one year later, the left-back could be on his way back to Britain, although despite the Scotsman plying his trade in his native country before his move to Greece, Blackburn Rovers made an enquiry to bring him to the EFL, with Norwich City and Middlesbrough also credited with interest, too, albeit nothing more than that.

Celtic join race to sign James Penrice this summer

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It looks like Blackburn won't be the only side registering interest in Penrice this summer, though, as Tony Mowbray's side look to be battling Scottish giants Celtic for his signature.

According to the Daily Record, the Hoops have, too, made an enquiry about bringing the 27-year-old back to Scotland this summer, as they look to strengthen a position that only has Kieran Tierney as a senior option.

The report states that Rangers' credited interest has died down slightly, with new boss Derek McInnes choosing not to pursue a player who was well-liked by Danny Rohl, who left the club this summer.

Despite a poor season last year, Penrice was a solid attacking full-back option in the SPL with Hearts before he made the move to AEK. Per Fotmob, he ranked in the top 10% of left-backs in the division for chances created and in the top 5% for successful crosses in the 2024/25 campaign.

He was also in the top 10% of players in his position in defensive contributions, too, outlining that he's a solid defensive option for the level.

Blackburn Rovers may struggle to beat Celtic to James Penrice — but they can offer what Martin O'Neill cannot

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With Penrice building a career in Scotland before his move to Greece, it would be hard to turn down an approach from Celtic. Given their size and stature, it would make it difficult for Blackburn to progress in their approach.

However, with Tierney seemingly locking down the left-back spot at Celtic Park, the 27-year-old's arrival would simply be to provide quality backup, which is the situation he currently finds himself in at his current club.

At Ewood Park, Penrice would be coming in to freshen up a position that will need some new faces this summer, as Blackburn look to strengthen their left-hand side to match the attacking threat that Ryan Alebiosu provides on the opposite flank.

Therefore, the promise of more regular minutes in the Championship with Rovers could perhaps sway Penrice to snub Celtic in favour of Tony Mowbray's side.

If so, it would be a major coup for Blackburn, especially if the Scotsman can replicate the form he showed in his final year at Hearts in the English second tier.