The transfer saga surrounding James Penrice this summer has added another suitor, as the 27-year-old remains one of the most sought-after defenders this summer.

Penrice has spent the last year with AEK Athens after a £2 million move from Hearts. Despite calling the move “life-changing” at the time, the full-back has not had much fun in Greece thus far.

The 27-year-old was part of the team that brought the Greek Super League title back to Athens after seven seasons of third and second place results, but he played a supporting role throughout.

Penrice made only 20 league appearances, being benched several times, including two of the final three games that helped secure the title. In the UEFA Conference League, he did not participate in the knockout rounds, but his team advanced to the quarterfinals.

As a result, one year later, the left-back could be on his way back to Britain. Despite the fact that the Scotsman worked in his home country before moving to Greece, Blackburn Rovers made an enquiry to bring him to the EFL, and Norwich City and Middlesbrough were also said to be interested, albeit only informally.

Celtic joins the contest to sign James Penrice this summer.

Tony Mowbray’s side appears to be vying with Scottish giants Celtic for Penrice’s signature this summer, so Blackburn will not be the only club interested in him.

According to the Daily Record, the Hoops have also inquired about bringing the 27-year-old back to Scotland this summer, as they seek to strengthen a position where Kieran Tierney is the only senior option.

According to the report, Rangers’ rumoured interest has waned slightly, with new manager Derek McInnes opting not to pursue a player who was popular with Danny Rohl, who left the club this summer.

Despite a poor season last year, Penrice was a reliable attacking full-back option in the SPL for Hearts before joining AEK. According to Fotmob, he rated in the top 10% of left-backs in the division for opportunities created and in the top 5% for successful crosses in the 2024/25 season.

He was also in the top 10% of players in his position in terms of defensive contributions, indicating that he is a strong defensive option at this level.

Blackburn Rovers may struggle to beat Celtic for James Penrice, but they can offer what Martin O’Neill cannot.

Penrice built a career in Scotland before moving to Greece, so it would be difficult to turn down an offer from Celtic. Given their size and stature, Blackburn would find it difficult to progress in their approach.

However, with Tierney likely securing the left-back position at Celtic Park, the 27-year-old’s arrival would just be to provide quality backup, as he is presently doing at his current club.

Penrice would be joining Blackburn to freshen up a position that will require some new faces this summer, as the club looks to enhance their left-hand side to match the offensive danger provided by Ryan Alebiosu on the opposite flank.

As a result, the prospect of more consistent minutes in the Championship with Rovers may persuade Penrice to turn down Celtic in favour of Tony Mowbray’s side.

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