Patience is a virtue for Celtic as they examine the market for reinforcements to bolster their squad for the second half of the campaign.
Speaking after the Bhoys’ victory over St Mirren, Brendan Rodgers said Celtic are ‘100% confident’ they can strengthen in key areas and will work tirelessly to fulfil their ambitions this window.
However, the January transfer window is notoriously difficult to do business and may require mental fortitude as the Bhoys wait to see who may become available later in the month for a switch to Parkhead.
While the desire for additions has dominated headlines, Celtic still need to sort out matters such as Greg Taylor’s future as his deal veers towards expiration this summer.
Whatever Rodgers decides to do on that front remains to be determined. Nevertheless, here are the main stories doing the rounds this morning as potential transfer activity in Glasgow’s east end begins to take shape.
Ringing endorsements for Kieran Tierney Celtic deal continue
Without fail, Celtic’s interest in bringing Kieran Tierney back to the club has drawn nationwide attention amid reports that a pre-contract agreement could be close to completion.
The 27-year-old is a free agent in the summer, and Arsenal could look to sanction his exit on a loan basis this month to clear space for Mikel Arteta to dip into the market.
Live on the airwaves: Barry Ferguson believes Celtic should overlook Tierney’s injury record as he is a ‘top-class defender’ who can cope with the rough and tumble of Scottish football.
Prolonging that school of thought, Marvin Bartley believes the Lennoxtown graduate would be a ‘no-brainer’ signing for the Bhoys. Speculation feels unlikely to die down on this one any time soon.
Celtic fringe man Stephen Welsh set for medical ahead of exit
Taking to social media platform X, journalist Anthony Joseph confirmed Celtic fringe man Stephen Welsh is in Belgium to undergo a medical ahead of moving on loan to KV Mechelen.
He stated: “UPDATE: Celtic have accepted KV Mechelen’s loan bid for Stephen Welsh. It’s understood 24-year-old is in Belgium and will tour the club’s facilities today, with a view to having a medical tomorrow. The six-month loan deal is expected to be completed this week.”
Putting the finishing touches to his move, there will be no option for KV Mechelen to buy Welsh from Celtic, and the Scottish top-flight champions are likely to reassess his long-term future this summer.
For now, Welsh managing to claim regular minutes is set to be the immediate priority before a clarification is found on his next steps.
Celtic name price-tag for Luis Palma
Another peripheral figure that could leave Celtic in January is Luis Palma, who has interest from Genoa, Olympiacos, Atlanta Utd and Orlando City
The Bhoys have put a €4 million (£3.3 million) price tag on the Honduras international for any suitors keen to offer the winger an exit route from Parkhead.
Palma came off the bench to make a brief cameo appearance against Motherwell at the weekend. However, any thought of a Celtic career revival could be short-lived depending on who comes to the table first.
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