Celtic are eyeing a bargain deal for Philadelphia Union defender Mark McKenzie as they look to replace the departed Jozo Simunovic this summer, according to the Daily Record.
Interestingly enough, the 21-year-old USA international is not the only player on the other side of the Atlantic to find himself linked with the Scottish Premiership champions of late.
But, while deals for Jorge Benguche and Alberth Elis may be placed on the back-burner for now, with Odsonne Edouard expressing his desire to stick around for ‘ten in a row’, signing a new centre-half cannot be put off for much longer.
After all, with Simunovic bidding farewell after his contract expired in July, Celtic are looking rather lightweight at the back.
With AC Milan identifying him as a major part of their £75 million rebuilding project, there is still a very real chance that Kristoffer Ajer could start next season in red and black rather than green and white (Sun).
The Record suggests that McKenzie, one of the rising stars of MLS football, could be snapped up for less than £1 million, and the Bronx-born starlet is about as typical a Celtic signing as you could expect to find.
Young, cheap and very much under-the-radar, McKenzie is just 26 games into his Philadelphia Union career.
But, after a superb breakthrough year, he already has a full cap for the American national team and a spell in the Celtic finishing school could set him on the path to further honours.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
