Celtic ‘would like’ to strengthen key position at Parkhead | OneFootball

Celtic ‘would like’ to sign a defensive midfielder this summer to bolster Ange Postecoglou’s first-team squad, according to Sky Sports journalist Anthony Joseph.

The Hoops reclaimed their Scottish Premiership title last season, but it seems as though they are keen to make further additions ahead of the return of Champions League football at Parkhead.

What is the latest news involving Celtic?

Postecoglou has overseen an extensive rebuild during his short tenure at Celtic, with 17 new arrivals joining the club either on a permanent basis or on loan throughout 2021/22.

And the Glasgow giants have already confirmed the capture of Cameron Carter-Vickers on a long-term basis in the current window while also adding goalkeeper Benjamin Siegrist on a free transfer and agreeing a fee for full-back Alexandro Bernabei.

However, more fresh faces are expected to be welcomed in the coming weeks and months to offset the handful of departures that have already been announced.

Replacing engine room operator Nir Bitton could well be the next priority on Postecoglou’s to-do list, with the Israel international set to exit Celtic when his contract expires at the end of the month.

The 30-year-old made 38 appearances across all competitions for the Bhoys last term and his presence at the base of the midfield could be sorely missed in the upcoming campaign.

What has Joseph said about Celtic?

Celtic added the defensive-minded Yosuke Ideguchi to their ranks in January, and although Joseph confirmed the club want more bodies in the middle of the park, he has tipped the Japan international to ‘feature more’ next season.

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In an interview with GiveMeSport, he said: “They would like a defensive midfielder with the fact that Bitton is leaving.

“But don’t forget that they’ve got Ideguchi, who didn’t really play too much last season. They didn’t bring him in for no reason, and I presume they would expect him to feature more.”

Who could Celtic sign?

Mohammad Abu Fani of Maccabi Haifa, K.V. Mechelen’s Vinicius Souza and FC Metz’s Kevin N’Doram have all been linked with moves to Celtic this summer.

And N’Doram’s teammate Amadou Mbengue is the latest player who has reportedly found himself on Postecoglou’s radar, with French outlet FootMercato listing Celtic amongst his potential suitors.

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It’s claimed that two German clubs were interested in the 20-year-old in January, while Italian outfit Udinese are also keeping close tabs on the youngster’s situation.

Who Celtic opt for as their preferred target remains to be seen, but securing a replacement for Bitton appears to be taking precedence.