Celtic target Mark McKenzie wants to be new Van Dijk after researching Bhoys, he was urged against move

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Celtic brought in a new centre back over the summer in Shane Duffy, but may still need to add one more during the January transfer window.

Duffy hasn’t played his best football for the Bhoys, whilst there are question marks over the long-term future of Kristoffer Ajer.

With Duffy only on loan, Neil Lennon may subsequently look to bring in a solution for the coming years, with Mark McKenzie a popular name.

The Philadelphia Union centre back was a Celtic target over the summer, but no move materialised as he stayed in Major League Soccer instead.

McKenzie, 21, looks to be an exciting prospect; he isn’t the tallest centre back ever at 6ft tall, but he does already have two United States caps to his name.

Sky Sports claim that Celtic still want McKenzie, and could plot a January deal, but Premier League and Bundesliga teams now want to sign him too.

McKenzie has told Sky Sports that he is considering his future and wants to play regularly for his next club, with his agents working on a move.

McKenzie admitted that he has done plenty of research about Celtic ahead of a possible move, as he wants to follow in the footsteps of Virgil van Dijk – despite pundit Charlie Davies urging him against a move to Parkhead back in July (MLS Soccer).

“Yeah, ultimately it’s about the situation being right for all parties,” said McKenzie. “As the player you are probably the most important piece in the puzzle, but it’s about making sure it’s right for the club I’m at now but also the club I could potentially be going to. I want to be playing regular and consistent minutes – at least fighting for my spot and then trying to keep that spot. That’s the most important thing. It’s something I’ve obviously talked to my agents about and talked to the club and staff about and make sure it’s right for everyone.”

“I’ve done my fair share of research (on Celtic and the Scottish Premiership) and I’ve always loved football so I’ve known about Celtic for a while. You hear about Celtic and the path of Virgil Van Dijk – going from there to the Prem. I’m no dummy when it comes to understanding the leagues. I have a general idea of what the leagues look like and keeping up with who is at the front of the pack in the league race and tournaments. I know about Celtic and the league – and a lot of other leagues. But it’s an exciting time, though,” he added.