Celtic’s transfer business this summer, or lack thereof, has left many supporters frustrated. As we enter the final month of the window, however, things should ramp up.
There are several areas of Brendan Rodgers’ squad which need strengthening over the next few weeks, the latest reports linking the Hoops to Southampton midfielder Shea Charles.
The 20-year-old signed for the Saints from Manchester City a year ago for just over £10m.
He spent his youth with City, making one shy of 100 appearances for their youth sides as he won five English league titles at under-18 and under-21 levels.
Now with Russell Martin’s side, he played 38 times in all competitions in the season gone by as they got promoted to the Premier League.
According to The Scottish Sun, Charles has emerged as a target for Celtic, who could look to sign him on loan with an option to buy.
They report that it is unclear whether a move for the 17-time capped Northern Ireland international would be part of a deal which sees Matt O’Riley go the other way.
It wouldn’t look the best on Celtic’s part if that was the case, and Charles isn’t even a direct replacement for O’Riley. He is a holding midfielder who can also play at centre-back.
A high-potential youngster, while Charles’ attributes look good on paper, Rodgers may well have to clear the midfield decks before bringing him in, especially with Paulo Bernardo’s permanent arrival imminent.
