Celtic could look to bring in a left-back before the end of the window due to a lack of options in the area amid Greg Taylor’s recent injury woes.
Recently, Brendan Rodgers confirmed that Scotland international Taylor will be missing for a ‘few weeks’ after sustaining a calf strain in the Hoops’ 5-0 victory over Buckie Thistle in the Scottish Cup.
In light of this, Alexandro Bernabei was drafted in last weekend for a rare start against Ross County and played a part in Alistair Johnston’s first-minute goal, which secured a 1-0 win on home soil for the Bhoys.
Nevertheless, the Argentine didn’t look entirely comfortable during proceedings, amplifying the need for reinforcements on the left-hand side of defence before the close of play in the market.
Reports of Celtic interest in Liverpool youngster Owen Beck were killed stone dead earlier in the month after he was brought for his parent club against Bournemouth, meaning he is no longer eligible to feature for a third side this term.
Estoril’s Tiago Araujo has also been mentioned in connection with the Hoops over the last few weeks, though any notion of a deal seems to have gone quiet.
Eddie Howe rules Matt Targett out of Celtic move
In a strange development from south of the border, Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe has ruled out the prospect of left-back Matt Targett moving to Celtic on loan.
Speaking ahead of his side’s away trip to Aston Villa in the Premier League, the 46-year-old was pressed on murmurings of Targett potentially heading to the Hoops.
He immediately ruled out the notion, stating [Chronicle Live]: “Incorrect, way off. Matt’s injured. He’s still got some time to go on that. He’s a big part of what we’re doing.”
Truthfully, it is unclear how these reports made it into a press conference environment; nevertheless, Celtic fans can now score Targett off any list of potential full-back arrivals this month.
Celtic set to intensify their hunt for a left-back
According to Football Scotland journalist Mark Hendry, Celtic are accelerating their attempts to try and bring a left-back into the fold this month.
In the final days of the window, it is clear that action is needed to avoid being caught short in the position heading into a congested run of upcoming fixtures.
Aberdeen, Hibernian and St Mirren away in quick succession could well be a baptism of fire for any new arrivals; however, time is running out for the Hoops to recruit without resorting to panic stations.
Even if a temporary loan deal is the only kind viable, Celtic should look to bring in competition to push Taylor and Bernabei for first-team minutes.
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