Celtic reignite interest in Premier League midfielder who could strengthen homegrown quota

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The transfer window is one day off opening for Celtic, and Brendan Rodgers has made it clear that he intends to strengthen his squad.

Internally, Johnny Kenny could help fill the striker berth at Celtic as he returns from Shamrock Rovers, freeing up funds to spend on other areas.

On the more ambitious end of the scale, the Bhoys are reportedly interested in Manchester City’s James McAtee with his limited gametime at the Etihad Stadium set to open up the possibility of an exit.

Brendan Rodgers has plenty to stew over in what is set to be a busy few days for the Scottish Premiership leaders.

On Thursday, Celtic head to Ibrox to face Rangers and have an opportunity to move 17 points clear of their arch-rivals. Will new bodies come through the door before then? It remains to be seen.

Now, the Scottish top-flight holders are reportedly in the market for a midfielder that may help to strengthen their homegrown quota.

Celtic reignite interest in West Ham midfielder Andy Irving

According to The Daily Mail, Celtic are once again interested in West Ham United midfielder Andy Irving as they look to firm up their engine room in January.

During the summer window, the Bhoys pursued Irving alongside Luke McCowan before opting to sign the latter from Dundee for £1 million.

This campaign, the 24-year-old has made seven appearances under Julen Lopetegui in a breakthrough season after spending time at Austria Klagenfurt.

Enjoying a unique rise to prominence, Irving is a product of Hearts’ academy system and would help to satisfy homegrown quota regulations.

Celtic midfield additions feel unlikely in January

While strengthening across the field helps to raise the bar in terms of quality, Celtic have an engine room rich in talent, and adding to that may lead to over-saturation.

Unless departures were to take place, it is hard to envisage Rodgers prioritising the middle of the park over other positions, such as left-back, on the flanks and through the middle.

Nevertheless, stranger things have happened, so supporters will need to see what sort of business pans out once the window opens.