Celtic have reportedly made Belgian international Timothy Castagne their top transfer target this winter.
The £6m rated right-back currently plays for Atalanta in Serie A.
The defender, capped three times by his native Belgium, is thought to be the long term replacement for Mikael Lustig.
The right-back position has became a bit of an issue for Brendan Rodgers in recent months. With Lustig looking like his best days are behind him, a replacement has been needed for a while.
With both Cristian Gamboa and Anthony Ralston not taking their chance when put in, Celtic had to start looking outside for their long term replacement for the Swede.
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Castagne made his Belgium debut against Scotland in September. However, the right back has not been a mainstay in the Atalanta team.
He’s only made 29 league appearances since signing from Genk in the summer of 2017.
Lustig’s contract runs out in the summer, with no extension agreed yet.
The Swede has reiterated his desire to stay at Celtic recently. However, he reportedly has suitors back home.
Youngster Ralston has impressed in his last two league starts. He scored the opening goal against Motherwell last Wednesday.
He then went on to have a good game against Dundee at the weekend. Despite his recent flurry of good form, there’s still a question on whether he’s Celtic’s long term solution to the right-back position.
A devilish defence?
Celtic fans will be excited at the link to Castagne. The reported £6m fee suggests the club are taking their recruitment seriously in 2019.
The fact he’s breaking his way into the Belgian national side also suggests he’s a more-than-decent defender.
It takes a good player to break into that national team, who reached the World Cup semi-finals last summer.
And of course, could his signing help another Belgian commit his long term future to Celtic?
Dedryck Boyata’s future still remains very much in the balance. Maybe signing his compatriot would make him realise the best place for him is Celtic Park.