Report: Celtic continue January prep as they send scout to watch Lee Buchanan

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Celtic are continuing their preparations for January as they take a look at Derby County left-back Lee Buchanan, according to the Sun’s Alan Nixon.

The report states that the Hoops sent first-team scout Michael Doherty down south last week to watch the England under-21 international. Celtic have reportedly been looking at the player for months.

The Sun claims that Derby could sell the player in the next window. This comes after Nottingham Forest tried and failed to sign the player during the summer.

Back in July, the Daily Record reported that Buchanan was on a list of targets for Celtic regarding a potential summer deal. Derby boss Wayne Rooney came out at the time and slammed the idea of his left-back leaving the club [Derby Telegraph].

However, the defender is out of contract next summer. And after accumulating 13 appearances for the Rams this season, his stock appears to be growing [Transfermarkt].

Celtic already have 4 natural left-backs at the club already in Greg Taylor, Adam Montgomery, Liam Scales, and Boli Bolingoli.

Celtic left-back position nowhere near a top priority

Whilst it’s always exciting and positive to hear of reports regarding potential January arrivals, you could be forgiven for struggling with this one.

Celtic have a host of left-back options already at the club. Including the 4 mentioned above, we also have Josip Juranovic who can feature in that area. Why Postecoglou would feel the need to add another into the mix would be anyone’s guess.

Buchanan would surely be considered one for the future given his lack of first-team experience. But we already have a couple of young projects in that sense with Scales and Montgomery.

Even if 1 or 2 left-backs departed the club, you would still feel we have more than enough options in that position for now.

The argument will be that there’s no risk involved here. Conasidering his contract situation, Buchanan could be snapped up for next to nothing in January. Or, if we’re looking ahead to the summer, he wouldn’t cost a penny.

Even so, you don’t want to block the progression of other talents such as Scales and Montgomery. And if Buchanan is deemed an upgrade, you would have to question why the former was signed in the first place. For now, let’s just see what happens. The build-up to January will be flooded with rumours whether we like it or not.

In other news, Adam Montgomery loving life at Celtic after surprising breakthrough