Celtic face rival suitors for reported midfield target they have kept tabs on since summer window

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Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers has began to set his stall out in the January transfer window as potential incomings and outgoing start to become apparent.

Yesterday, the Bhoys confirmed Stephen Welsh has joined KV Mechelen on loan for the rest of the campaign after falling down the pecking order in central defence.

Building for the future, Celtic are eyeing a swoop for St Patrick’s Athletic forward Mason Melia following his emergence on the League of Ireland scene.

At this stage, no incomings have been confirmed for the Scottish Premiership champions. However, Kieran Tierney remains the standout target for the Hoops amid his contract situation at Arsenal.

The Scotland international could well be on his way, either in the summer or this month, but Celtic could face a fight on their hands to land another reported target.

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Celtic have fight on their hands to land Mahamadou Diawara

Over the last few weeks, Celtic’s interest in Lyon midfielder Mahamadou Diawara has resurfaced after seeing an offer rejected for the France Under-19 international in the summer.

Now, L’Equipe report that Reims have submitted a €3.5 million (£2.9 million) bid for the 19-year-old. The outlet state the offer is ‘unlikely’ to reach Lyon’s expectations.

Auxerre also had Diawara on their radar before opting to sign Han-Noah Massengo from Burnley on loan, but it is a reminder that plenty of admirers are ready to make a move.

Brendan Rodgers has plenty of competition in the engine room at Celtic. Only he will know whether adding further depth ienture worth taking this month.

Mahamadou Diawara’s peripheral role at Lyon

Diawara has made just four senior appearances for Lyon this campaign, which probably explains why the Ligue 1 are content to let him go should bidders come to the table with suitable offers.

Of course, they are also hamstrung due to financial issues that have earned them the unwanted tag of a provisional relegation to the French second-tier. Sales would be welcomed to ease their fears.

Celtic have a unique opportunity to land someone potentially worth more money for a bargain via some shrewd negotiations.

On the contrary, central midfield isn’t exactly top of the priority list right now. It is more likely the club seek to bring in a winger or a centre-forward.