CELTS READY TO CUT ‘STAF
Italian Lager could suit Brendan’s business plan
LECCE are eyeing out-of-favour Celtic defender Gustaf Lagerbielke.
The Italian side are expressing an interest in the Swedish defender.
Lagberbielke arrived at Parkhead just five months ago in a £3million deal from Elfsborg.
However, the 23-year-old has been unable to command a regular place in the side and could be set for the exit from the champions.
Despite scoring for his country in a friendly against Moldova in the period, Lagerbielke did not make a single appearance for Brendan Rodgers during October or November.
The centre-back did make a surprise return as a sub against Feyenoord in mid-december to score a winner in the Champions League group tie and also appeared from the bench against St Mirren seven days ago.
But with Cameron Carter-vickers, Liam Scales, Maik Nawrocki and Stephen Welsh seemingly ahead of him in the defensive queue, Lagberbielke could go during this window.
Nat Phillips has already returned to Liverpool from his loan spell and Celtic are expected to listen to any offers for the Swede.
Sources in Italy have suggested that Lecce, 13th in Serie A, are trying to put together an initial loan deal for Lagberbielke.
Rodgers is looking to trim his squad of fringe men, but Mark Wilson says it’ll look odd if Celtic don’t do strong incoming January business after the boss outlined a desire for four quality additions.
The former Parkhead defender reckons added firepower is needed to assist Kyogo Furuhashi, with a new goalkeeper to really push Joe Hart another key area to address.
Rodgers will also take the summer window into account as he searches for new stars, but Wilson believes some deals will surely be done now.
He said: “When the manager comes out and says he wants four players at the AGM, I think it would look strange if he doesn’t get at least a couple in. “So they will strengthen, but they’ve got to strengthen not only for this season, but if they’re going to go into the Champions League next season with a more settled squad and actually have a go at it, then you need to integrate players into the squad more quickly. Rather than just giving them a few weeks.
“I’d like to see them add a striker to lighten the load on Kyogo. I’m not too sure Oh is the answer. “He’s had a year here and is still young, but I think they need someone to really push Kyogo and maybe a goalkeeper as well.
“I still think Joe Hart has got legs in him, but I don’t think he’s got anyone really pushing him either.” Lawrence Shankland has been touted a potential target for the champions, but Wilson doesn’t believe the Scotland and Hearts star will be an option.
Wilson said: “I like Shankland. But I think his allegiances lie elsewhere. I don’t know if he’d fit Celtic’s model, the way Brendan wants to play.
“I think he’d fit Rangers, goalscorer.”