Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers is evaluating the market far and wide in his search for new additions this month.
Paulo Bernardo, Kasper Schmeichel and Viljami Sinisalo have become the only three new arrivals at Parkhead. There is still plenty of time, but fans are becoming increasingly unsettled by the lack of movement.
Brighton’s advances for Matt O’Riley risk the squad becoming weaker without investment. Links to new names have cropped up here and there but reported targets Dara O’Shea and Facundo Buoanotte appear to be headed elsewhere before the end of the window.
The Celtic hunt for attacking reinforcements looks to be a slow burner. Adam Idah’s situation at Norwich City hasn’t progressed despite Rodgers’ wish to have him back at Parkhead.
There is a need for some transfer excitement at the club. Now, claims from south of the border could hold an indication of who the Bhoys have their eye on in the market.
Liverpool journalist offers exciting Celtic transfer insight
Speaking to popular Liverpool fan channel Redmen TV, Liverpool Echo journalist Paul Gorse has revealed that Celtic are keen on bringing in Reds starlets Ben Doak and Bobby Clark this month.
He explained, starting off with former Celtic youth Doak: “Leicester and Southampton are two of the clubs interested. Potentially Celtic as well. As far as I’m aware, the plan is or was to sit down with his representatives, (Arne) Slot and Richard Hughes after the tour; it might even happen this week to sort of discuss what’s next, where is going to be the best fit for him.”
Later, Gorse referenced Clark, stating: “A player who has got loads of interest, Celtic and Rangers are in the mix, Salzburg have had the bid rejected. Pretty much half of the Championship, going off of the conversations I had last week, are interested.
“Norwich was one of them, Leeds United. A slew of others, I think, Derby County possibly. You can see why he’s attracting interest, obviously, a player who has yet to properly break into the first-team fold on a regular basis, but he’s had enough of a taste.”
Celtic and the potential of Ben Doak and Bobby Clark
Presumably, Celtic would be looking to bring either or both of these players in initially on loan, it is hard to imagine Liverpool are keen to part ways with two of their rising stars permanently. Catching the eye, interest in Doak may come as a surprise to supporters.
Only 18 months ago, he left Parkhead for Anfield in a deal worth £600,000. Frustration was palpable at his departure, representing another young talent lost to the riches of the Premier League. Ultimately, he had an opportunity on the table to develop at one of the most reputable football clubs in the world, with a youth system that has promoted a host of young stars.
He made his choice, which is all in the past now, but the chance of a surprise reunion would give Celtic an extremely promising wide option in the short term that would instantly improve the squad.
On the other hand, Clark is someone with a similar growing reputation. The England Under-20 international has featured 14 times in the Reds’ first-team and operates predominantly in central midfield. Again, it does feel unlikely a permanent transfer would be on the table, but he is a prodigious talent.
Loan deals aren’t ideal; I don’t endorse them any more than the average supporter. However, Celtic are in dire need of further squad depth. Something has to give in the next few weeks.
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