BREN BIDS TO MAKE SQUAD STRONGER
BRENDAN RODGERS insists his focus is making Celtic stronger in January and not worrying over losing any of his key stars.
We are now halfway through the January transfer window and the Ladbrokes Premiership champions have yet to part with any of their players, despite interest from south of the border continuing to circulate around Moussa Dembele.
Rodgers revealed last week during Celtic’s winter break in Dubai no bids have ever been received for the 21-year-old forward who has previously been
linked to moves to Everton and Brighton and Hove Albion.
However, the Celtic manager is not fretting over trying to find replacements for players, instead he is planning to strengthen his hand for the second part of the campaign.
“I haven’t even thought about that because I don’t see that happening,” he said.
“My idea for this month is to strengthen the squad so I haven’t thought of losing anyone.
“If something came in that was difficult for the club and if the player wants to go then that’s another point.
“I’d never want a player at Celtic if he didn’t want to be there.
“Most importantly I would need the right replacement to come in.”
Celtic are understood to be in the market for an attacking player to bolster their options up front with new signing Lewis Morgan staying at St Mirren on loan until the end of the season. Young Chelsea forward Charly Musonda is thought to be on the Glasgow side’s radar but they face competition from Bournemouth who are keen to take the 21-year-old on loan.
Rodgers and his team have now returned home to Scotland following a week in the Dubai sunshine for what was the second year in a row they have ventured over to the UAE. The Celtic manager saw a great benefit to his team in the jaunt last year, and he was equally delighted when reflecting on a trip he is sure will make his Premiership leaders even more formidable when they return to action.
“I feel this week is a great coaching week,” he said. “That’s what is important for us.”