Celtic appear to be serious about a move for Southampton right-back Yukinari Sugawara following Alistair Johnston's injury.
Johnston is going to be out until at least October after picking up a significant injury, but Celtic do have cover at the position. Colby Donovan has proven himself early in the season with some very impressive performances, including in the first leg against LASK last week, and Anthony Ralston is also important depth.
But reports suggest Martin O'Neill wants even more cover to make sure his side have enough for the Champions League league phase, but unsurprisingly, given the number of options, Celtic don't want to commit to a permanent deal.
Sugawara deal still on the table
According to Football Insider, Celtic remain in talks over a Sugawara deal, but they are hoping to strike a loan deal. Southampton are said to be preparing to allow the right-back to leave over the next week, but it's unclear whether they will agree to loan terms.
Celtic, in reality, have a far greater need on the left, which could be another factor in why they don't want a permanent deal. But the Saints may feel as though a loan deal doesn't offer them much gain upfront.
But the Hoops would be wise not to be tempted into any kind of permanent deal. O'Neill has bigger needs before the September 3 deadline, which includes up to two midfielder signings, a left-back and a goalkeeper.
With two right-backs already at the club, and in reality a centre-back or holding midfielder could also deputise there in an emergency, it would be a waste of resources for the Bhoys to go out and make Sugawara a permanent signing.
Celtic are going to have to be highly efficient in the final stages of this window, and that involves not getting hung up on signings that are not an absolute priority.
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