Reliable reporter Alan Nixon has claimed Celtic have been looking into a number of right-back targets, amid links to Sheffield United’s George Baldock.
The Lowdown: Ralston Hoops’ only right-back
As it stands, Anthony Ralston is the club’s only right-back on the books. Jeremie Frimpong left for Bayer Leverkusen in January, Hatem Elhamed joined Hapoel Be'er Sheva in February and loanee Jonjoe Kenny returned to Everton at the end of the previous campaign.
The Hoops recently extended Ralston’s deal for a further 12 months, and one man who has been linked with a move to Parkhead to rival him at right-back is Baldock.
The Sheffield United man is back on Celtic’s radar, however, Nixon, who writes for The Sun, has revealed the Hoops have been looking at other right-backs.
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The Latest: Nixon’s claim
Nixon answered a Celtic fan on Twitter on Friday, insisting the Blades ‘want a good offer’ to part ways with the 28-year-old.
He was then asked how much, to which Nixon said:
“It’s not fortunes… but Celtic were looking into other right-backs just in case there was more value elsewhere.”
The Verdict: McKay being smart but time is ticking
It’s good to see that Celtic CEO Dominic McKay is looking all over for full-back additions, but now is the time for the club to start acting and sealing deals.
It's a smart call to widen their search, especially with Sheffield United wanting more than £8m for Baldock - you'd expect shrewder deals are there to be had. £8m for a player approaching his thirties and in the last year of his contract is steep.
As it stands, Ange Postecoglou will have no choice but to start Ralston against FC Midtjylland in a Champions League qualifier later this month.
Time is ticking for the Hoops to get additions through the door prior to Postecoglou’s first competitive game in charge, and the sooner they can get them, it could increase their chances of progressing in Europe.
In other news: Hoops now working on move for 'terrific' forward after Osaze Urhoghide deal, find out more here.