Celtic have identified targets for star’s rumoured exit

Celtic have identified four targets in case the star ends up leaving the club as he has been a rumoured to for quite some time.

With no replacements officially identified of yet, there are four feasible players of which Celtic have been rumored to already bid for, or that would likely be available if the price were right.

The replacement with which Celtic have been most closely linked during the window would be Sampdoria defender Omar Colley. The 27-year-old defender has performed admirably for the Serie A side with 52 appearances since joining them in 2018.

Other teams reportedly after the Gambian defender include English clubs Liverpool, Southampton, and West Ham United. With no new updates in recent days, Lennon would likely need to move quickly to get a deal done if Colley were being courted by these clubs as well.

Another potential replacement could be Ben Davies of Preston North End. With the Hoops already reportedly having made moves on a deal for his services, this could be one of the more likely options this late in the window. With his deal set to expire in Preston next summer, Celtic have reportedly pursued a pre-contract agreement for a free transfer when his contract ends.

Davies, who has regularly started for the English Championship side since 2017, would provide a flexible option on defense able to play in the center or on the left. While his services would likely be needed much sooner with an Ajer departure, his price has been estimated at around £5-million, which could be feasible if an Ajer sale is made.

One less likely option for Neil Lennon’s side would be Ryan Porteous from Hibernian. Porteous has been with Hibs since 2016, making 44 appearances for the side in that span excluding a season on loan. At just 21 years old, he could make a positive addition with plenty of development ahead of him under Neil Lennon.

Most recently the defender has earned quite a bit of respect from many Celtic fans after his aggressive play in Hibs’ 2-2 draw to Rangers, seemingly living rent-free in Morelos and Tavernier’s heads the entire game.

With news seeming to change daily regarding a potential Ajer sale, a deal could be done any day now, which would leave Neil Lennon potentially scrambling for a replacement before the transfer window closes in the upcoming weeks.