Arsenal, Everton, Manchester City, Newcastle and Swansea defenders among the Premier League centre-backs Celtic could potentially sign.
Former Celtic players Henrik Larsson (C) and Chris Sutton (R) talk prior to the UEFA Champions League Group B match against Paris Saint-Germain.
Ex-Celtic striker Chris Sutton believes that if his former club want to compete on the Champions League stage they need to sign new central defenders.
Much has been made of the Bhoys’ failure to sign a fourth player in the position over the summer and following the 7-1 hammering at the hands of Paris Saint-Germain, Sutton believes changes are needed at the back.
Celtic’s Brendan Rodgers reacts during the UEFA Champions League Group B football match against Paris Saint-Germain.
“You knew then that if changes weren’t made in central defence then they would get found out and they were found out in a brutal manner in Paris,” the 44-year-old wrote in the Daily Record.
“Brendan Rodgers spoke himself at the recent AGM of the need to sign a centre half and that’s where the club have got it wrong.”
Perhaps the Glasgow club should look to the Premier League in their search, so here are five players they could realistically sign.
Manchester United striker Marcus Rashford (L) and Swansea City’s Kyle Bartley during the English Premier League football match.
Kyle Bartley
Impressed on loan at Leeds United last season and although is currently out injured until December, the Swansea City star could still be worth taking a look at in January despite being a former Rangers loanee and having a somewhat fractious relationship with Scott Brown.
Ciaran Clark
Has fallen down the pecking order at Newcastle United due to the presence of captain Jamaal Lascelles and new signing Florian Lejuene, but remains a decent centre-back.
Rob Holding
Still considered a promising young English talent, Holding’s opportunities at Arsenal have been limited in recent times and more regular game time north of the border could well be tempting.
Eliaquim Mangala
Recently admitted he could leave Manchester City in the New Year, the 26-year-old’s wages could perhaps be a stumbling block but he remains a top talent in European football.
Ashley Williams
Has been greatly criticised for his form at Everton this term and is now 33-years-old, but knows Rodgers well from their time together at Swansea and remains a strong leader on the pitch.
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