A potential Scott McTominay loan to Celtic could impact multiple players already at Parkhead.
Brendan Rodgers hasn’t ruled out a move for the Manchester United midfielder and is looking to reduce the squad size.
The Scotland international would most likely take the place of two or three outcasts, including Youssouf Mulumbu and Nir Bitton.
Bitton blighted with injury
The Israel international hasn’t played for The Bhoys since last February and will be well down the pecking order on his return.
A career threatening injury is keeping him from the first team but is set to return in the near future.
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However, he’ll find it difficult to displace Scott Brown, Olivier Ntcham and Callum McGregor for the centre spot.
Bitton said he’ll play anywhere, but perhaps his best chance at playing will be at centre-back.
Perhaps for his playing future, it would be best to move on elsewhere with McTominay to come in for cover.
Time is up at Celtic for Mulumbu?
Fans will say the former Kilmarnock midfielder isn’t getting a fair crack of the whip at Parkhead.
However, his moonlighting appearances haven’t shown anything Celtic are missing from the midfield.
His return from injury against RB Leipzig showed he was well off the pace for European football.
Perhaps his ageing legs and lack of game time will force Rodgers to move the Congolese international on.
Like Bitton, McTominay can take his place.
Beginning of player exhodus
Rodgers also told a pre-match press conference that he believes players will leave the club this window.
Forgotten midfielder Scott Allan has already signed a pre-contract with Hibernian.
On top of Bitton and Mulumbu, others such as Eboué Kouassi are also on the sidelines.
Everyone knows players must leave the club to foot the wage bill to bring others in.
However, the short loan deals may be suggesting other things than just short term cover.