Charlie Nicholas believes Celtic should look to bring in Hibernian starlet Josh Doig and Leicester City goalkeeper Danny Ward this summer, speaking to the Express (29 June, page 57).
Ange Postecoglou is no stranger to ripping up the foundations and starting afresh. He built a squad from the ground up during highly impressive spells in charge of Brisbane Roar and the Australian national team.
But if he plans to do the same at Celtic – and reports suggest he is – expect a hectic couple of weeks before August’s transfer deadline.
The Hoops need a left-back, a right-back, a goalkeeper, a striker and, if we’re honest, a number of upgrades and improvements all over the park.
And, according to Nicholas, the Glasgow giants could do a lot worse than snap up arguably the most exciting teenage talent in Scottish football, as well as a goalkeeper who pulled off a series of stellar saves for Wales at Euro 2020.
Could Celtic target Danny Ward and Josh Doig?
“If I was Ange Postecoglou, I would be trying to sign Josh Doig because he could become the next Kieran Tierney,” Nicholas says.
“Why wouldn’t Celtic go into the market and try to sign him from Hibs? I think Doig has great potential and could flourish into a real Tierney type. If it was to take £3m or £4m, then why not pay it?
“Celtic (also) need a new number one because Vasilis Barkas is not the answer. I think they could solve this position with a good loan.
“I would suggest Danny Ward. He’s not getting regular football at Leicester City and has shown internationally he’s a reliable and solid keeper.”
Ward has a history of Scottish Premiership football under his belt too, standing out during a spell at Aberdeen in 2015/16.
He’d also tick a lot of boxes for Postecoglou, with the 55-year-old prioritising proven, British-based players rather than overseas additions.
And you’d think Ward would relish the prospect of another loan move, having played a grand total of zero Premier League games since joining Leicester from Liverpool in a £12.5 million deal three years ago.
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