Kieran Tierney could be made to wait for his dream return to Celtic with Arsenal now focussing on offloading Oleksandr Zinchenko.

The left-back is out of contract in the summer and looks set to pen a pre-contract agreement to return to Glasgow's east end this summer - and reports suggest that the Hoops are attempting to reach a deal with the Gunners that will see Tierney return to the Premier League this month. Celtic appear to be looking at a potential loan deal that will bring the Scotland defender back to the Scottish Premiership this month before a permanent deal is rubber stamped at the end of the campaign.

However, The Athletic report that Tierney's future has been put on the back burner by Arsenal as they focus on offloading Ukrainian international Zinchenko. It is claimed that the 28-year-old "has moved ahead of Kieran Tierney as the likeliest to depart in January" as he would "would command a fee."

READ MORE: Celtic join Tammer Bany transfer 'swarm' as Kyogo successor search leads to Randers bargain

READ MORE: Kieran Tierney deal agreed, £34m striker joins - Celtic's perfect end to transfer window

Borussia Dortmund are said to be leading the race with Atletico Madrid also showing interest in the defender. Emirates chiefs are "looking to balance their books" before making a move for a striker this month.

If Tierney was to remain in North London it could have a knock-on effect for Alex Valle. The Barcelona loanee had been expected to leave Celtic Park this month following the arrival of the 27-year-old.

Quotidiano Sportivo report that Valle is "one step away" from a move to Como - but has to wait on the Tierney domino effect. Should the 20-year-old leave without the Arsenal man's arrival, Greg Taylor would be left as Brendan Rodgers only left-back option.