Manchester United step up their interest in Celtic and Scotland full-back Kieran Tierney

Manchester United have reportedly stepped up their interest in signing Scotland international defender Kieran Tierney, according to the Daily Record.

The Premier League side, who host Swansea City at Old Trafford in the top-flight on Saturday (15:00), have been linked with a summer swoop for the Celtic full-back having continually scouted the Scottish starlet.

The 20-year-old, who has nine international caps for his country, has scored four goals and provided nine assists in 48 appearances in all competitions for the Scottish Premiership champions so far this season.

Tierney, who was born on the Isle of Man, has netted seven goals in 123 outings overall for Celtic since joining the club when he was just seven-years-old.

Celtic’s Kieran Tierney in action with Anderlecht’s Dennis Appiah (left).

The report claims United have ‘hardened’ their interest in the Scottish left-back ahead of a significant summer shake-up at The Theatre if Dreams in terms of transfer activity, having kept close tabs on the highly rated full-back since breaking into the first-team as a teenager.

Tierney only put pen to paper on a new six-year contract with The Bhoys last October, and the Scottish Premiership leaders would demand at least £20m for his services, should he leave Celtic Park.

Written by Dan Church Follow @DJChurch94