Compper has been strongly linked with a January move to Celtic.
Celtic must wait until at least the summer to sign RB Leipzig defender Marvin Compper, according to the Bundesliga side’s manager.
The Herald reported earlier on Tuesday that Compper is likely to become Celtic’s first signing of the January transfer window.
But Leipzig boss Ralph Hasenhuttl has moved quickly to dispel those claims, saying, as quoted by the Daily Record: “I don’t want to get rid of any player in January. It’s a squad game and we need them all, especially as we have had a lot of injuries recently.
“Also, Marvin has never come to me and said he’s unhappy or put in a transfer request.
“So he will be here until the summer at least.”
Celtic’s need to add another centre-back this winter is no secret, with senior trio Dedryck Boyata, Erik Sviatchenko and Jozo Simunovic each sidelined at some stage this season.
But Hasenhuttl’s comments suggest the Bhoys may have to look elsewhere to fill their defensive void.
Though vastly experienced, Compper’s signing would not come without its flaws, with the 32-year-old playing little more than 100 minutes of senior football this season and being ineligible for Celtic’s forthcoming Europa League campaign.
Compper, who has been capped once by the German national team, is under contract until the end of next season in Leipzig.
Who should Celtic go for if they cannot sign Compper?
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