Celtic plot summer move for defender as priority

Celtic are expected to bring in reinforcements in a number of positions in the summer after what has been an underwhelming return campaign for Brendan Rodgers. It remains to be seen whether the manager will even be at Parkhead come next season, with a trophyless campaign still very much a possibility.

Rodgers does already seem to be putting plans in place for the upcoming summer transfer window though. And it looks like signing a new centre-back is being viewed as a priority.

That has turned out to be a problem position for Celtic this season. Cameron Carter-Vickers, their best centre-back by a country mile, has dealt with injury problems constantly. On the other hand, Gustaf Lagerbielke and Maik Nawrocki have failed to fill the void left behind by Carl Starfelt's departure. Liam Scales has been the club's most regular in the heart of defence and there are many who believe he is not good enough to be starting.

All things considered, the club could do with more options in that area. As reported by Football Insider, Celtic are plotting a summer swoop for Queens Park Rangers' Jake Clarke-Salter. The Hoops are eyeing central defensive reinforcements with Rodgers prioritising that area of his team for improvement.

Celtic plot summer move for defender as priority

Clarke-Salter has enjoyed a meteoric rise in recent months. He has emerged as a regular starter for QPR this season and is being viewed as one of the best centre-backs in the Championship. A left-footed defender, he could challenge Scales for a spot in Celtic's starting XI.

This feels like a long time coming for the 26-year-old. A Under-20 World Cup winner with England, it looks like his career at the senior level is finally taking off. Better late than never.

It is not just Celtic who have been linked with a move for the QPR centre-back though. Plenty of Premier League clubs are believed to have taken notice as well.