Celtic are running out of time if they are to secure a new left-back this summer and Nick Hammond simply cannot afford to miss out on another target...

What's the word?

According to Sky Sports, the Scottish champions are poised to make another bid for Charlton Athletic prodigy Alfie Doughty after already having two bids rejected.

They are also keen on Spurs starlet Ryan Sessegnon but the finances involved are proving too difficult to navigate.

Last month, The Sun claimed that the Bhoys were hopeful that an £800k bid would be enough to tempt the League One outfit into a sale, though it had gone quiet on the front until now.

Can't be McGinn 2.0

For a club of Celtic's size, they have missed out on some top players far too often in the past two years or so - most recently, Hearts sensation Aaron Hickey chose a move to Bologna instead whilst the hierarchy at Parkhead must still be kicking themselves over John McGinn.

Back in December 2018, the boyhood Hoops fan revealed that a move fell through before he opted for Aston Villa. Now he's one of the most underrated players in the Premier League.

He's even been touted with a £50m switch to Manchester United.

£800k or slightly more could end up being a bargain for Doughty. He's now playing a starring role for the Addicks this season (five starts) as Lee Bowyer's first-choice left-midfielder.

Per WhoScored, the 20-year-old is averaging 3.7 tackles, 2.7 key passes, 2.3 dribbles and 1.3 shots per game, which are simply phenomenal numbers. No player in Neil Lennon's squad is managing more tackles whilst only Ryan Christie can boast more key passes.

Doughty has been described as a "tremendous footballer" with a "big future" by former Kingstonian boss Leigh Dynan. The man to give him his first shot in the men's game on loan. He also added: "There’s a diamond there to be polished. I can assure you that."

Considering Lennon is desperate to add a new left-back to the squad before deadline day, less than seven-figures for a potential star of the future would be remarkable business.

Hammond must sanction this coup at all costs.

AND in other news, Neil Lennon must unleash "special talent" after recent Celtic masterclass...