We all know that the Hoops have defensive frailties. Last nights Europa League qualifying match against Jablonec exposed them with two goals conceded from basic defensive errors.
But with a relatively makeshift backline, what would you expect? The Celtic fans already know this and Ange Postecoglou’s capture Carl Starfelt shows that the big Aussie boss is looking to address the back line issues.
Celtic fans will be hoping that a central defensive partner for Starfelt will be on his way soon and as Postecoglou admitted in last nights post match interview, the next week may be interesting for the Hoops fans in the transfer window.
According to the Liverpool Echo, Celtic are one of four clubs tipped to land former January target Ben Davies as details of the former Preston North End’s stopper’s contract emerges.
Liverpool swooped in on Celtic in January as the Parkhead club believed they had successfully signed Davies on a pre contract, but even although terms where agreed, failure to ensure the contract was signed allowed The Reds to come in at the last minute to steal Davies as they tried to shore up their own defensive issues due to injuries to Virgil Van Dijk and Joe Gomez.
With the return of Van Dijk and Gomez and the arrival of £30m man Ibrahim Konate, Davies future at Liverpool looks bleak especially when Kopp boss Jurgen Klopp referred to the deal at the time as, “I think it’s probably clear that in a normal transfer window, without any issues, we would not look at Preston if there’s a player for us or something like that.”
The Echo have revealed that a loan option for Davies may be preferable as he has a 20% sell on clause inserted into his contract. With Liverpool shelling out an initial £500,000, rising to £1.1m with add ons, the report also claims that the Anfield club would be unwilling to sell at a cut price deal.
Preston also inserted a clause whereby if Davies was capped with England, further bonuses would be due so it is clear those at the Championship club saw Davies as a star for the future.
With Burnley, Bournemouth and Sheffield United all also interested, it seems The Blades are favourites to land Davies but with Liverpool now listening to offers the report says this has reignited Celtic interest this window.