Celtic still need a central defender despite the signing of Marvin Compper.
Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers’ has made just one signing this month, but surely the growing list of absentees in the Hoops treatment room should be alarming enough to convince him to re-enter the transfer window?
Even new recruit Marvin Compper, 32, is currently sidelined after suffering a calf injury during the trip to Dubai with Celtic during the winter break. It leaves a huge hole at the heart of the Hoops defence.
Denmark international Erik Sviatchenko has rejoined FC Midtjylland on loan, while Jozo Simunovic is reportedly interesting Serie A giants Lazio ahead of a potential move.
If the latter does indeed depart this month, it leaves Rodgers with just Dedryck Boyata and Kristoffer Ajer at centre-back, and a new centre-back is therefore required.
It should convince Rodgers to enter the transfer window and surely his attention will turn to rivalling his old side Reading in pursuit of Brentford rock Yoann Barbet.
The Daily Mirror claim in their transfer news blog (Tuesday, 5:35am) that Reading are preparing an £850,000 offer for 24-year-old Frenchman Barbet, who has just 18 months remaining on his current deal at Griffin Park.
The left-footed centre-back has starred for Dean Smith’s side this season, helping the Bees keep eight clean sheets in his 22 Championship appearances as well as scoring three times against Bolton, Middlesbrough and Leeds.
At such a low price, Barbet would hit the ground running north of the border as he would join a French contingent at Celtic that includes Moussa Dembele, Odsonne Edouard and Olivier Ntcham.
Celtic have utilised the Championship well in terms of transfers, with Dembele and Scott Sinclair both shining since their move to Celtic from England’s second tier.
Adding Barbet to his squad would not only improve Rodgers’ side, but give the Hoops much-needed cover at centre-back as they continue to fight on three separate fronts.
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