Celtic urged to sign midfielder from Scottish rivals for free

Celtic will need to strengthen their ranks in the summer. While most of the talk has been about signing a new goalkeeper to replace Joe Hart, a centre-back to compete with Liam Scales or a striker to score goal consistently, bringing in reinforcements in midfield might prove to be equally important for the Hoops.

Matt O'Riley's future at the club is uncertain. Atletico Madrid tried to sign him in the winter while clubs like Inter Milan and Manchester United are also rumoured to be keeping an eye on the Danish international. It seems like only a matter of time before he heads for the exit door.

On the other hand, one can only wonder where Paulo Bernardo will be playing his football next season. The Portuguese midfielder is on loan from Benfica till the end of the campaign. He has played a decent bit of football for Celtic but has not featured as heavily since Reo Hatate's return to fitness. It is believed that the club would need to shell out a £6 million fee to sign him permanently. Would they be open to making that kind of investment on someone who is not even a clear starter?

All things considered, it looks like Celtic's midfield department could undergo some changes over the summer. And the answers might lie closer to home.

Celtic urged to sign midfielder from Scottish rivals for free

Someone like Connor Barron could be a player Celtic should keep an eye on. As reported by Wales Online, Andy Halliday said on punditry duties for Clyde Superscoreboard:

"Personally I thought Connor Barron was the best player on the pitch on Saturday, to be honest.

"And he's out of contract in the summer! I'm not trying to prise him away from Aberdeen but I always feel they are the no-brainers that Celtic and Rangers should be looking for, especially when they're trying to get homegrown talent for their European squads. I thought he was excellent.

"I've heard a few links down south as well but I just think they're no-brainers for Rangers and Celtic. It doesn't seem like there's been much chat there."

Barron's current deal with Aberdeen runs out in the summer. That means he is set to be available as a free agent.

Barron has been linked with a move to Celtic in the past but not recently. It remains to be seen if an interest materialises in the near future.