Celtic are set for a busy summer of transfer activity that could see plenty of movement in and out of the Parkhead doors.
Brendan Rodgers will already be planning on where to strengthen his squad following several instances of the Irishman emphasising the need for ‘quality’ additions to arrive at the club during the season.
Before he delves into scouring the globe for talent, solving the futures of loanees Adam Idah and Paulo Bernardo will come to the forefront, with the latter said to have an option to buy worth £6.4 million in his agreement.
According to reports, Motherwell goalkeeper Liam Kelly was thought to be a potential reinforcement between the sticks amid Joe Hart’s retirement.
The Scotland international could be available on a free transfer at the end of this month and would add to the Hoops’ homegrown player pool. However, a conflicting claim from the Scottish Sun has now indicated the former Livingston man won’t be heading to Parkhead.
Queens Park Rangers defender Jake Clarke-Salter has been mooted as a target for the left-hand side of defence for Celtic, and the central defender could cost between £5-7 million to acquire.
The former England Under-21 international has been a solid presence under Marti Cifuentes this season, registering one goal and an assist inside 33 appearances [Transfermarkt]. Premier League trio Crystal Palace, Burnley, Wolverhampton Wanderers and second-tier outfit Stoke City are also monitoring him.
Celtic links with Jake Clarke-Salter take a new twist
Per The Evening Standard, QPR and Clarke-Salter hold a ‘loose agreement’ that will allow the 26-year-old to explore a move to the Premier League if interest from the English top-flight persists over the summer.
The outlet state that he is garnering significant attention from high-end Sky Bet Championship clubs, which may complicate any potential Celtic advances for the Chelsea youth product.
Michael Beale saw an approach for Clarke-Salter rejected last year while at Rangers, and the West Londoners are set to demand a healthy fee before soliciting any Loftus Road exit.
Celtic need defensive reinforcements once the window opens, no doubt, but with the scenario unfolding the way it is, Rodgers and company could be better off turning their attention to alternative targets.
With pre-season swiftly on the horizon once his players return from a well-earned break, there isn’t any time to waste on dead ends.