Celtic will have plenty on their mind during the course of the summer, not least potentially replacing their manager.
Though, with a possible 12-man exodus on the cards, finding replacements for the playing squad will also be of utmost importance.
What’s the word?
Celtic have reportedly agreed a deal to bring in Liam Shaw on a pre-contract but now the Hoops are thinking of landing another English Football League talent.
According to Football Insider, the Bhoys are interested in bringing young Wigan forward Kyle Joseph to Parkhead.
Celtic made an approach to sign the striker back in January with the 19-year-old’s contract expiring in the summer. Thus, they’re attempting to land him on a free transfer once the window opens.
The Hoops have made it an ambition to bring in a line of promising young talent for the new manager to work with.
Forget Harper
This addition would be rather timely for Celtic. They’re set to lose Cameron Harper in a few months time once his own contract expires.
The youth product hasn’t made many first-team appearances and could already be on his way out. New York Red Bulls have supposedly made an approach for the attacker so the chances of Harper renewing at Parkhead seem slim.
Add Joseph’s arrival into the picture and any hopes of the American staying surely become even slender.
That being said, they shouldn’t be worried. After all, Joseph has proven himself to be a canny operator already at senior level. The teenager has been linked with a move to Tottenham so has plenty of eyes watching his performances.
Composed in front of goal, Joseph isn’t just capable of finding the net – scoring five times this term – but he’s also very adept at winning aerial duels. He’s won 2.1 per game this season, a tally that could rise if you take into account some of the football that’s played in the SPFL.
Despite playing in just his first year of senior football, he’s already netted a hat-trick, bagging three goals in Wigan’s win over Burton in late December. It was the moment he truly burst onto the scene and caught the eye of Celtic’s talent scouts.
It was also a moment that caretaker manager Leam Richardson revealed Joseph was “on top of the world” afterwards.
With a move to Celtic potentially on the cards, it would cap off a remarkable year for the youngster. Unlike Harper, he’s already doing well at first-team level. This could be an upgrade for any new manager that walks through the door. As such, the recruitment team should seal a deal.