Diego Reyes is reportedly attracting interest from West Ham and Newcastle, but Celtic must elbow them aside.
Celtic’s performance and result on Wednesday will have given Brendan Rodgers a huge shot of confidence in their bid to reach the group stages of the Champions League – but it was more than apparent that a centre-back is required.
Jack Hendry was at fault for Roseborg’s opener, giving the ball away before the Norwegian side worked the ball out wide and scored. Though Olivier Ntcham and an Odsonne Edouard brace saved the day, a new defender must be signed.
Jozo Simunovic’s future remains a doubt, while Kristoffer Ajer has all the signs of a top centre-back but needs an experienced head beside him. Hendry is simply not Champions League standard.
Dedryck Boyata’s absence has been felt as he continues to recover from the World Cup, and he has also been linked with a move away from Celtic with Fulham and Lazio said to be interested in the former Manchester City defender.
Celtic need a quick addition, one that is on the cheap but is more than adept at playing against the best players in the world. Free agent Diego Reyes fits the bill to a tee.
The 55-time Mexico international failed to earn a new deal at FC Porto at the end of the season, The Express claim that Newcastle United, Brighton, Watford and West Ham United are all interested in the defender.
Clubs from France are also said to be keen, with Bordeaux touted as a possible new home as they look to pass the Europa League qualifying rounds.
But with the lure of the Champions League, Celtic must do their utmost to add a defender in Reyes who has played against the best – and fared well.
He would be one of the best central defenders to pull on the green and white in recent years, all of that for free. The likes of Newcastle and West Ham must be brushed aside to give Celtic the best chance of European football after Christmas.
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