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McNair loan link as Bhoys hunt for four new signings

BRENDAN RODGERS last night admitted that he needs four new players, with Manchester United’s 21-year-old defender Paddy McNair the latest name to be linked with a loan move to Parkhead.

United boss Jose Mourinho is reportedly keen to farm out the Northern Ireland cap, who featured at Euro 2016, for the season and speaking after last night’s 3-1 friendly loss to Barcelona in Dublin, Rodgers admitted he craves reinforcements.

The Celtic manager has so far recruited striker Moussa Dembele and Kolo Toure, while a deal for Aston Villa winger Scott Sinclair remains in the pipeline.

‘We are still a long way away from where we want to be but I can’t deny the mental strength of the players,’ said Rodgers last night. ‘Ideally, I would like another four.

‘Scotty is a young talented lad that I know well but he is still an Aston Villa player.’

Asked about McNair, 21, Rodgers paused before stating: ‘I can’t say yes or no to that because there have been so many players who have been linked with Celtic.’

Yesterday’s game came at a price with Nir Bitton sustaining an ankle injury. The Israeli midfielder hobbled through to half-time but Rodgers admitted he is struggling to be fit for the second leg of the Champions League qualifier against Astana on Wednesday.

He added: ‘Our only negative was the injury to Nir, which looks a nasty one.’