The transfer window is ticking along for Celtic and supporters are starting to get a better idea of where Brendan Rodgers may look to add to his squad.
Without doubt, the Irishman and Paul Tisdale will be working hard behind the scenes to secure potential reinforcements despite the difficulties that January can throw up in negotiations.
Once again, Brendan Rodgers has reiterated his desire to strengthen at Celtic. There is growing anticipation over the Bhoys’ pursuit of Kieran Tierney, while plenty of other irons in the fire are beginning to come to light.
Stephen Welsh has been allowed to leave on loan this month, as has Odin Thiago Holm, clearing some valuable space for additions to strengthen the Bhoys’ first-team squad.
Incomings are now the priority, but who could Celtic bring in this month to bolster the ranks in Glasgow’s east end? 67 Hail Hail takes a look at the latest stories doing the rounds.
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Mason Melia visits Celtic as Bhoys step up interest in Irishman
Last week, 67 Hail Hail told that Celtic are lining up St Patrick’s Athletic forward Mason Melia as the promising Irish youngster continues to make an impression in the League of Ireland.
The 17-year-old is also attracting interest from Tottenham Hotspur among others, but he wouldn’t be able to move to a club in the United Kingdom until next year after he turns 18.
According to The Irish Mirror, Melia has visited Celtic amid growing speculation over his next move and is deemed to be ‘close’ to making a decision over his future.
Spurs also invited the young forward for a tour, while Bologna are keen to do similar to try and tempt him to the sunnier climbs of Italy. He has scored ten times in 54 appearances for his current employers.
Celtic add Aston Villa starlet Louie Barry to January wishlist
On the same token, Celtic are eyeing Aston Villa’s Louie Barry after his 16-goal loan spell at Stockport County led to a recall from his parent club earlier this month.
Unai Emery is keen to run the rule over the former England Under-18 international, but may have a chance to farm him out at a higher level amid interest from the Bhoys, Middlesbrough and Leeds United.
Celtic are keen to sign the left winger on a loan basis, though they may be hindered by Aston Villa’s lack of available ‘foreign loan’ slots in line with Premier League regulations.
Nevertheless, recent reports show the Bhoys are stepping up their efforts to supplement the wide areas, which may require exits to occur.
Brendan Rodgers on Kyogo Furuhashi and Luis Palma’s future
Speaking yesterday before Celtic’s trip to face Dundee, Rodgers downplayed speculation over Kyogo Furuhashi’s future and claimed that anyone not committed under his management is free to leave the club.
In similar fashion, the Irishman also hinted Luis Palma could leave Parkhead after limited minutes this campaign.
He stated: “He’s a brilliant lad, works hard every day, trains every day, and probably not getting the game time that he would like. We have to weigh everything up.
“Our first job is to look after our own squad, make sure that’s ready, and by the end of this month set up for the challenges for the rest of the season. If that allows some players to go out, then that can and may still happen.”
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