Erik Sviatchenk-go?

With the news Celtic are in the market for a centre back, don’t be surprised if the manager is looking to offload one in the process.

Brendan Rodgers has been stepping up his efforts to bring in another defender that will compete for one of the two spots up for grabs in the heart of Celtic’s defence.

This would suggest he’s not happy with all of his options at the moment and if you listened to the Celtic manager last week talking about how he doesn’t want to ‘stockpile’ players for the sake of it – you would have to imagine he’s open to offers for at least one of his current defenders.

Contrary to reports over the weekend, there has been zero bids for Jozo Simunovic from England and Celtic aren’t welcoming any. Rodgers is also fond of the powerful Dedryk Boyata, his physicality and prowess in the air seen the Belgian come from nowhere to ply a pivotal part in the second half of Celtic’s invincible season.

That leaves one as the odd man out, unfortunately, for Erik Sviatchenko. The defender found himself on the outside looking in once Brendan had rehabilitated Boyata last term and hasn’t featured as much as he would’ve liked. If another defender comes in this window then he would fall further down the pecking order.

There has also been genuine interest in Erim from elsewhere with the club open to a deal should they complete their own. Besiktas has reportedly been in touch over the players availability and while Erik is enjoying life in Glasgow he is a footballer who wants to be playing week in and week out.

This would make it a very high possibility that Erik could decide to move on this summer in favour of more first team opportunities.

Erik is an exemplary professional and has become a fans favourite for his efforts on and off the pitch. He’s a humble person and he and the club will not take any move lightly.

With a week left of the transfer window, there’s certainly time for a few more ins and outs at Celtic Park.