The Celtic fans here in the Transfer Tavern have been delighted with most of their form under Brendan Rodgers since his arrival in 2016, though not all of the Bhoys in our bar are feeling all that confident heading into 2018. 

Indeed, our resident Hoops believe Rodgers needs to take his side relatively far into the Europa League to truly put his work in Glasgow on the map, with the Scottish Premiership title all but wrapped up. Still, as their shock 0-4 loss away at Hearts showed, nothing should be taken for granted on that front.

For many of our punters here clad in green and white, the club need to make more moves in the transfer market this January. With Marvin Compper having already joined to strengthen the club’s backline, Rodgers now needs to look elsewhere in order to get his squad into shape for European competition.

In fact, his transfer hand may have been ever so slightly forced following some big injury news in Paradise. Summer signing Jonny Hayes is thought to have suffered a broken leg during his side’s win over Dundee and will now need replacing, despite his relatively limited impact thus far.

With Moussa Dembele also touted with an exit this winter, it’s the attacking areas that should be of interest.

Having said all that, here’s a look at two players Celtic should target in January.

John McGinn

Though Scott Brown has seen his career extended by working under Rodgers, there will come a day when Celtic must replace one of their most successful ever skippers. Having prized ‘Broony’ away from Hibernian over a decade ago now, the Hoops should know exactly where to look for when it comes to buying an heir.

Hibs star John McGinn has impressed against the Bhoys before, operating in a roaming central midfield role. While making the step up to European football may take some adjusting to, the Scotland man has embraced every such challenge in his career so far.

Able to bring the ball from deep, he’d be a driving force in this Celtic side, as well as someone to help spark counter-attacks on the continental stage.

Charly Musonda

Though Tom Rogic and Callum McGregor are both able to play in the No.10 role, Celtic could do with a top class option in that position. If they are going to battle in the Europa League, someone who can drift across the attacking line, picking up positions so hard to mark really is needed.

With that in mind, Chelsea youngster Charly Musonda should be a target. Previously linked with a move to Parkhead, the Belgian would provide that extra class in attacking areas, helping feed the likes of Leigh Griffiths and Scott Sinclair in the potential absence of Moussa Dembele.