Celtic are still thinking of adding to their left-back ranks tonight, according to the Daily Record [Deadline day blog, 4:51pm].
It looked as though the Hoops’ transfer work was totally done for the rest of the window. Ange Postecoglou had previously pushed the need to get loan exits completed for youngsters as the club’s main priority [Celtic TV]. Any prospects of another addition looked unlikely.
However, the Record believes that Celtic’s priorities may have shifted in recent times. They claim that the prospect of another coming into Parkhead remains a possibility.
Celtic currently have a host of left-sided defenders on their books at the moment. Greg Taylor, Liam Scales, Adam Montgomery, and Boli Bolingoli are all available if needed.
Montgomery and Boli have both been linked with moves away this month. However, with the clock ticking down, it remains to be seen if there’s any late business.
Left-back has been a source of frustration for Celtic all season, with first-choice right-back Josip Juranovic previously having to operate in it due to a lack of quality.
New Celtic left-back would be welcome but must be an upgrade
In terms of numbers, a new left-back would certainly make things seem a touch overcrowded. That’s why it would feel like a necessity to get one more out the door. Whether that be Montgomery’s potential loan move or a permanent departure for Boli.
However, what also must be understood is that any signing coming into that particular position needs to be an upgrade. That doesn’t mean one that costs a lot of money or breaks the wage structure. But a player that simply offers more than Taylor or Scales.
Yes we have the numbers, but can we honestly say we have the quality? Do we have a Juranovic available at left-back? Taylor and Scales are hard-workers who give it their all, but neither man screams first-choice Celtic left-back.
Of course, it remains to be seen if this comes to fruition. It could easily be the case that Celtic are relatively relaxed here. They may only act if something that they simply couldn’t turn down cropped up.
But at this stage, left-back is the only position that still needs a bit of work. You just wonder whether the priority in that position first and foremost will be to get a player or two out of Parkhead.
Regardless, we’ll see what the next 7 hours or so bring as we potentially get set to welcome one more arrival.
In other news, Celtic talent Liam Shaw delivered “excellent” 1st Motherwell start at Tynecastle
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