CELTIC may be on track to record an impressive sixth domestic treble in nine seasons, but the Hoops are also looking to improve on the European stage.
The Scottish giants were cruelly eliminated from the Champions League play-offs in February at the hands of Bayern Munich, who found a last-gasp equaliser in the second leg to secure a 3-2 aggregate victory.
Still, there were plenty of reasons for optimism for Celtic, who secured passage to the play-offs following a positive showing during the competition’s inaugural League Phase.
Brendan Rodgers’ side particularly impressed on home turf, where they avoided defeat in all but one of their five European outings at Celtic Park.
The Northern Irishman will still be eager to improve ahead of next season’s campaign though, hence the need to strengthen the options in the Hoops’ ranks this summer.
With Celtic anticipated to be busy in the transfer window, we have taken a closer look at some of the players they might look to bring in.
David Strelec, Slovan Bratislava (Striker)
The 24-year-old Slovakian continues to be linked with a switch to the Scottish club and actually lined up against Celtic in the Champions League earlier this season.
The Hoops came out on top with a 5-1 victory in front of their own fans that day but questions remain over their options in forward areas following the departure of Kyogo in January.
Adam Idah has enjoyed moments of success up top but some are doubtful over whether the Irishman is good enough to lead the line week in, week out.
Such concerns have led to rumours of reinforcements being brought in up top and Slovan striker Strelec has already been given the seal of approval by former Celtic player Lubo Moravcik.
The Slovakian insists Strelec would score a “minimum of 20 goals” should he put pen to paper with the Hoops this summer.
Strelec is also no stranger on the continental stage, having scored twice in eight Champions League appearances this term, and could prove an astute signing up top if he was to continue his form across the Scottish border.
Michel-Ange Balikwisha, Royal Antwerp (Winger)
Another man who has a history of being linked with Celtic is Royal Antwerp winger Balikwisha.
The 23-year-old was strongly tipped to join Rodgers’ ranks last summer but a move failed to materialise.
He has remained in Royal Antwerp colours for this term but has been sidetracked by a torn thigh injury.
The Belgian has even admitted that, if not for the injury, it is unlikely he’d still be playing in Royal Antwerp colours.
Such comments speak of a player clamouring for an exit and, with Celtic winger Jota recently ruled out for nine months with an ACL injury, there is added incentive on the Hoops to strengthen their options in wide areas.
Could they swoop for the Belgian once again this summer?
Veljko Milosavljevic, Red Star Belgrade (Centre-back)
Celtic have also been linked with a move for Serbian youth international Milosavljevic, who has impressed in the SuperLiga this season.
Despite being just 17-years-old, Milosavljevic has made 15 appearances for Red Star across all competitions and played the full 90 minutes across eight consecutive league matches during February and March.
And while he is yet to feature in the Champions League, he was on the bench for his side’s final two matches in the competition’s League Phase earlier this year.
It’s therefore easy to see why the defender is catching the eye of potential suitors abroad, including the Scottish champions, who may need to strengthen at the heart of their backline once again.
Centre-back Cameron Carter-Vickers has been linked with a potential move away in recent months and is reportedly the subject of interest from English Premier League club Everton.
Should the American opt to depart, he will leave a gaping hole in the Celtic defence which will need filling immediately.
While Molosavljevic might not boast a tonne of experience at the highest level right now, a Carter-Vickers exit could force their hand into accelerating their interest in the young Serb between now and the summer’s end.
Regardless of who walks through the door at Parkhead, it’s sure to be an intriguing summer window for Rodgers and co. In order to stay on top of all of the latest developments, be sure to stay informed with unparalleled football tips from FIRST.com.
