Here is how the Celtic XI could look after January transfer window’s deadline day
Celtic are keen to sign new players this January and there’s no end of rumours as to who that may be.
The Hoops have already signed right-back Julian Araujo on loan from Bournemouth but there is much more work to be done, and we’re over halfway into January, amid the Premiership title race. Boss Martin O’Neill said this week: "We are really trying, honestly, and obviously, selfishly, and as I said to you, I don't have any impediments from board level. I think we all want to try to do something, which is great. So I'm not blaming anybody. We will try and get people in.
"But it genuinely is at this stage, even though it's halfway through January, it is looking around to see what could fit for us, as much as anything else. And, we'll see. Again, it's not perfect. We might end up having to do some things that, that you take somebody on loan, that you think you wouldn't be looking to sign for three or four years, for instance, something like that.
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"I have an idea about a player and things are being presented to me. Now, of course, I would like to act more quickly. I think I'm trying to do that, and then I obviously have the other things to deal with, the clubs and then the players themselves. And some people that I would really like may choose to go elsewhere. If I, myself, had a bit more preparation for it, then I maybe could have worked a bit more quickly."
So from a Chelsea striker to Manchester City goalkeeper, including the Araujo deal, we have a look at what the Celtic team could look like come February. Take a look.
GK - Stefan Ortega
RB - Julian Araujo
Player one of the five-man charge. Looked decent in a midweek win with a clean sheet at Falkirk.
CB - Auston Trusty
Not much in the way of defensive rumours so American remains in situ.
CB - Liam Scales
Restored to the starting XI after return to back four under O’Neill.
LB - Kieran Tierney
Academy product returned to the club last summer and has been a regular since.
CDM - Callum McGregor
Skipper is the first name on the team sheet.
CM - Silas Andersen
Hacken midfielder has also been linked to Rangers. Fits the profile of buying an unearthed gem, developing them, and selling for profit. Has impressed in Sweden.
CM - Benjamin Nygren
There are critics of his overall play but a constant goal threat from midfield and that sees him installed as a starter in this team.
RW - Philip Otele
Basel winger is expected to make a January move. Celtic, Birmingham City, Wolves and more mentioned as landing spots.
ST - David Datro Fofana
Chelsea player has started scoring on loan at Turkish side Fatih Karagumruk but Celtic have been linked with a permanent move. Reportedly rejected a deadline day Hoops switch for Charlton Athletic, which then collapsed. In desperate need of a striker and this would complete a five-man sweep.
Doubt over his long-term future but is the Celtic attacker currently in situ with most quality when on it.
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