Celtic could get a clear route to signing a familiar left-back this summer as they look to add much-needed depth to the back line. The Hoops are about to wrap up their second summer signing in the form of Kasper Hogh, who will arrive on a deal worth ÂŁ11million plus add-ons.
The arrival of Kogh will take care of the front line, with the Bhoys now having three strikers they will count on, while Johnny Kenny is also there but likely to leave.
Attention will then shift elsewhere, and Martin O'Neill has a lot of business to do. Celtic need arguably need a goalkeeper, left-back, centre-back, two midfielders and a winger before the summer is over to ensure they have sufficient depth.
Familiar left0back could become available
Celtic need to sign a new left-back this summer to ensure they have proper support for Kieran Tierney, who has plenty of injury issues in his past. The Bhoys relied on loan player Marcelo Saracchi to play that role last season, and he saw plenty of action, given Tierney is unable to play every game of the season without the increased risk of injury, especially with European football.
As things stand, Celtic have just one left-back on their books in Tierney, so it's a position they simply cannot afford to fail to strengthen this summer.
One potential option that has been floated is the re-signing of Greg Taylor, who could be on his way out of Greek club PAOK this summer. Taylor has said he won't rule out a return to Celtic at some stage, but that he is concentrating on fulfilling his contract in Greece.
But his manager, Alessio Lisci, is said to have other ideas. According to Athlos News, Lisci does not see Taylor as a part of his plans for the coming season, and that could mean a deal is possible.
Taylor made the move on a free transfer, so anything PAOK get back will be a welcome profit for them, especially if they are not planning to use the defender. The Greek club will still want to get close to Taylor's value, which is likely in excess of ÂŁ3million, but it could be an affordable deal for Celtic, and it could land them a player they know they can rely on.
Rodgers loved working with Taylor
Former Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers was a big fan of Taylor, and he once told Sky Sports of the left-back: "He's a fantastic player for us. How he makes that position work how we want it to look, he's first class.
"I have seen him grow here from the outside looking in and obviously having the chance to work with him now for over a season. I really like everything about Greg. I love his personality, I love his spirit, I love how he plays the game of course.
"He plays the game like a midfield player coming from that outside position in, so he really makes it difficult for the opposition. Technically strong. For what you'd say small in stature he competes in his duels, he wins headers. He does a lot of really, really good things in the game which I really like and really appreciate."
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