Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers will be scouring the market for new arrivals this window as the transfer deadline appears in the distance.
Yesterday, we spoke on 67 Hail Hail about how late window Premier League deals may become viable for the Bhoys.
English top-flight clubs will name their 25-man squads for the campaign after the window concludes, which could lead to a spate of talent being available for a move in search of minutes.
Over the last week, Celtic have been linked with several Premier League players in their hunt for added squad depth. They submitted a recent enquiry regarding Crystal Palace’s Jeffrey Schlupp, with the London club open to offloading the Ghana international.
Liverpool full-back Owen Beck is still of interest as a prospective rival for Greg Taylor’s starting left-back slot, but Queens Park Rangers have also opened talks over a loan for the Welshman.
Nevertheless, reports suggest Celtic are also keen on one of his teammates who has slipped down the pecking order at Anfield.
Celtic reportedly keen on Liverpool’s Wataru Endo
According to The Sun, Liverpool are ‘open-minded’ about selling defensive midfielder Wataru Endo this window. Celtic are now monitoring his situation amid his desire to play first-team football across the new campaign.
The outlet claims Hoops boss Rodgers views Endo as an asset that could bolster his side’s prospects both domestically and on the European stage. However, his £15 million price tag could render the Japan international out of bounds.
Arne Slot is said to rank Ryan Gravenberch and Stefan Bajcetic as more suited to his plans for the holding midfield role. Despite the Reds missing out on Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi, they could still sanction Endo’s exit if the right offer comes along.
Marseille had a proposal turned down for the former Stuttgart enforcer this summer and may return to the table ahead of the deadline.
Celtic look to be eyeing a midfield enforcer
The mooted interest in Endo feels unlikely to amount to anything more than speculation, given the fee they’d need to fork out to prize him away from Anfield.
Nonetheless, it does suggest the Bhoys are looking for someone to protect their rearguard. Yesterday, we broke down the origins of Renato Tapia’s Celtic link, a fellow defensive-minded midfielder who appears to have caught Rodgers’ eye in the window.
Whether either pursuit comes to anything remains to be seen, but some steel in the engine room could induce an encouraging blend of different styles for Rodgers to pick from in midfield.
Time is of the essence for Celtic to complete deals. Will another body in the six position arrive? We will need to wait and see on that front.
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