Celtic summer transfer desires as Brendan Rodgers targets first-team ready

Brendan Rodgers wants to add strength to his Celtic squad heading into next season as champions.

The Hoops lifted the Premiership trophy this term with an eight point gap over rivals Rangers. It was comfortable in the end for the Northern Irishman and his squad but if fans look back to the January transfer window they’ll surely remember the nerves creeping in about their club’s chances of retaining their title.

Adam Idah was considered a panic loan up front as the Irishman arrived on loan from Norwich City while no left-back walked through the Parkhead gates despite months of searching and checking on targets.

With the Champions League group stage guaranteed for Celts this coming campaign, Rodgers will need reinforcements if he is to realistically compete for points and prize money.

The champions have cash to spend and Rodgers wants readymade stars to come in and help challenge those in place already.

Football Scotland understands the priorities for the club are clear. A Joe Hart goalkeeper replacement is an obvious one. The Englishman is retiring but has been number one for three seasons and will take a big personality to come up trumps and take his spot. Ben Siegrist will also depart the club and that means it’s two stoppers the Hoops are looking for. Football Scotland understands the plan is to pay less cash for an older goalie should that be the man they identify in scouting circles.

A left wing-back is also on the top priority list for the club with Greg Taylor currently the main man and Alexandro Bernabei on loan in Brazil with Internacional. Tiago Araujo and Owen Beck were both targets earlier this year but they continue to search.

With Gustaf Lagerbielke not expected to stick around this summer and Maik Nawrocki still not completely selling himself to Rodgers, a left-sided centre-half is a wanted position at Celtic Park with Liam Scales in mind as a challenge.

Further down the list of desired positions include a new striker to rival Kyogo as Idah is expected back at Carrow Road. A box to box midfielder is also on the list if they can find one.

That would perhaps depend on the situation involving Matt O’Riley should they consider a mega sale before next term.