Celtic's summer transfer approach continues to confuse, at least if reports over their latest approach are correct. The Bhoys have stumbled their way through the summer so far, struggling to get Martin O'Neill committed in a timely fashion and failing to land any early signings.
It's likely to be a summer that sees Celtic lose a number of top players, with Arne Engels and Daizen Maeda among the big names who are likely to be offered big opportunities elsewhere.
But in the face of that, the Hoops have not been proactive, and they are on course to go into the start of pre-season on Friday with no new additions.
Saracchi saga takes a baffling turn
According to CeltsAreHere, Celtic are in talks with Boca Juniors over the re-signing of loan full-back Marcelo Saracchi, who had a steady impact in the second half of last season. But it's claimed Celtic have told the Argentine club they want a second loan deal.
That's despite Saracchi being available for just €1.5 million, which is a clearly affordable fee for Celtic, and especially during a summer that will likely see them bring in big money for some of their key players.
But Boca would prefer to sell, and to make matters worse for the Hoops. Saracchi is also wanting a permanent move due to having just 18 months remaining on his current deal with Boca.
Celtic appear to be stumbling their way out of the deal, and that's despite O'Neill having said in February when he was asked if the full-back should be kept: "I think the club should be looking at something like that."
Celtic's approach is baffling
If the reports are accurate, Celtic are behaving like a team that has all its transfer loose ends sewn up. It's as though they only need a player or two and want to be careful how much they spend, but that couldn't be further from the case.
The Bhoys are yet to sign a player, and they have needs across the board, especially when you factor in the players who are likely to leave.
With Kieran Tierney at the club, Celtic can sign Saracchi for a touch over £1million and have the left-back position sorted, allowing them to move on to the other areas they need to address.
And if they are concerned about a long-term deal, then a two-year deal would likely suffice, especially with a club-option of a third on the end.
The Bhoys have too much work to do in this window to be playing hardball over a small fee for a player who has proven he is competent at Premiership level. Celtic need to get their act together.
Add us as a preferred source on Google