CELTIC boss Brendan Rodgers WILL step up his pursuit of another central defender in this transfer window.
The Hoops gaffer insists he requires five players for the middle of the rearguard role.
Maik Nawrocki has just agreed a season-long loan deal with German second-tie side Hannover 96, as CQN reported last week, and Gustaf Lagerbielke is on the brink of a £2million switch to Portuguese outfit SC Braga.
There are still question marks over Stephen Welsh who spent the second part of last term in Belgium during a temporary transfer to KV Mechelen.
THIS IS YOUR CAPTAIN TALKING…Callum McGregor has a discussion with Dane Murray during Celtic’s 1-0 win over Queen’s Park on Friday night.
That leaves Rodgers with Cameron Carter-Vickers, Liam Scales, Auston Trusty and the untried Dane Murray as his four from which to choice his defensive double-act on match day.
That’s short of what the Irishman reckons in his ideal quota which will see him ramp up his efforts to bring in at least one new face in the forthcoming weeks.
Rodgers has high hopes for 22-year-old Murray who made his first-team debut with a cameo appearance in the 4-2 Champions League loss against Aston Villa in the Midlands in February.
Unfortunately, he marked the occasion with some loose play that gifted the home side the killer fourth goal.
His manager paid particular attention to the youngster during the 1-0 friednly win over Queen’s Park at the City Ground on Friday night and said afterwards: “We’ve got Auston and Liam, but we’ll definitely look to bring in another one.
“However, I would always look for our own first.
“Hopefully, if Dane can stay fit and be available, then he’s one who can be in and around it.”
ON THE BALL…Auston Trusty, a deadline day £6million arrival last summer, in action against Queen’s Park at the City Ground.
At the same stage, though, Rodgers will scour the market for an addition and one centre-back who could come under consideration is Famalicao’s 25-year-old Dutchman Justin de Haas, according to a report in the Scottish Sun.
The £3million-rated defender was outstanding last season for the Portuguese club and has attracted the attention of several clubs in Europe, notably Germany and France.
The champions waited until deadline day last year before they inveiled the £6million arrival of Trusty from Sheffield United.
There could be another late, late show this time around as Rodgers hunts for the man he wants.
