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Photo: Manny Perez spotted in Celtic gear during trial

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers is seen at full time during the Scottish Ladbrokes Premiership match between Celtic and Kilmarnock at Celtic Park St...
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Celtic appear to be taking a look at right back Manny Perez.

A general view of  Celtic Park ahead of the UEFA Europa League Round of 32 match between Celtic and Zenit St Petersburg at the Celtic Park on February 15, 2018 in Glasgow, United Kingdom.

Celtic will be in the market for new signings in January, especially at right back – but Manny Perez may not have been a name on many fans’ wish lists.

The Bhoys have two veteran right backs in Mikael Lustig and Cristian Gamboa, but both are out of contract at the end of the season, and youngster Anthony Ralston has yet to show that he can be a first-team regular.

Brendan Rodgers will now be looking at other right backs to bring in next month, and one name has emerged as a talent for the future.

Manny Perez, currently of NC State in the US collegiate system, is a United States Under-20 international, and has been tipped for a bright future as a right back.

Perez may be looking to follow in the footsteps of top US talents like Christian Pulisic, Weston McKinnie and Timothy Weah in earning a big move to a European club, and Celtic could offer him that.

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers is seen at full time during the Scottish Ladbrokes Premiership match between Celtic and Kilmarnock at Celtic Park Stadium on December 8, 2018 in Glasgow,...

As pictured below, Perez took to Instagram to take a photo of himself in Celtic training gear, with the 19-year-old believed to be on trial with Celtic ahead of the January transfer window – and he is even believed to have attended Saturday’s game against Kilmarnock.

Perez could now become Rodgers’ first signing of 2019 if he impresses, giving Celtic another right back to work with as they plan for life beyond Lustig and Gamboa – even if one or both do sign new deals.