With the January window just a matter of mere weeks away, it appears Celtic are already targeting players to strengthen their first-team squad.
One of Brendan Rodgers’ biggest strengths this season has been his squad depth at Celtic as the Hoops boss looks to defend his Scottish Premiership title and make inroads in the Champions League.
Rodgers has already identified two Celtic positions he wants to strengthen this January but it seems there could be a third position the Hoops boss is looking to add to according to a report from L’Equipe.
Celtic want Mahamadou Diawara as Lyon youngster makes his position clear
Celtic are said to be targeting young Lyon midfielder Mahamadou Diawara as the youngster tells Lyon where he sees his immediate future.
Celtic fans might remember Mahamadou Diawara after Rodgers made an offer for the talented young midfielder a week before transfer deadline day this season.
That offer appeared to have been rejected and Celtic submitted a deadline-day bid for Diawara where the club was hopeful of a loan deal. That bid was again rejected.
Undeterred, it appears Celtic is looking to make a January move with the young French midfielder said to want to leave Lyon due to lack of first-team minutes which were promised to Diawara this season.
Mahamadou Diawara’s rise to stardom amid Celtic interest
Young Diawara has had an interesting rise to football stardom despite his young age. At just 19, the midfielder has been capped three times for the French U19 international team.
Ethan Nwaneri of Arsenal is challenged by Mahamadou Diawara of Olympique Lyonnais during the Pre-Season Friendly match between Arsenal FC and Olymp...
Photo by David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images
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The youngster made his Ligue 1 debut for Lyon in a 3-3 draw with FC Lorient back in August 2023. Since then he has made 43 appearances at all levels for the French club with 13 of those in the top flight.
Freiburg, Antwerp, Brighton, Lens and Borussia Dortmund were all rumoured to be pursuing Diawara this year and now Celtic look like they are not giving up.
The youngster extended his contract with Lyon this summer with Juventus and Nantes also reported to be interested in the talented youngster earlier this year.
If Celtic do make a move it does seem like Brendan Rodgers will face a battle to land the sought-after French midfielder.