Celtic have had a mixed start to life under Ange Postecoglou but they are beginning to make some impressive strides in the transfer market.
Next on the agenda for the Hoops boss is signing a right-back but there are still other important areas to address.
What’s the word?
One player who has consistently been on Celtic’s radar is St Johnstone midfielder Ali McCann.
The Bhoys have sent scouts to watch him on numerous occasions but they have never made a concrete offer to lure him to Parkhead.
With just a couple of weeks left in the window, time will tell whether they do explore a move.
However, they’ve just been told how much he may cost this summer.
That’s according to Alan Nixon who in the process of revealing Stoke’s interest, claimed McCann would cost £3m.
Must sign him
If Celtic can find space in their squad for another midfielder then McCann would be an exceptional signing, someone who could become a prized asset in their squad very quickly.
The 21-year-old is one of the most vibrant up and coming players in the country and was named alongside David Turnbull on the shortlist to win the PFA Young Player of the Year last term.
It’s evident to see why too. McCann contributed four goals last term on his way to becoming a defensive force for St Johnstone.
He won a whopping 2.7 tackles per game last term and registered 1.5 interceptions a match.
With that in mind, he was described as “undroppable” by former teammate Jason Holt.
He’s started the new campaign in similar form, winning a mighty four tackles on average across his two opening Premiership matches.
McCann has also starred against Champions League regulars Galatasaray. During St Johnstone’s Europa League qualifying clashes with the Turkish giants, he won 20 defensive duels in the two legs according to Wyscout.
As a result, he could be an upgrade on Ismaila Soro. The Ivorian has been tipped to become Scott Brown’s heir at Parkhead but won 1.9 tackles per outing in comparison last season.
Soro hasn’t endured the brightest starts to the new campaign either. He came out on top in just four defensive duels during Celtic’s two-legged tie with Midtjylland for instance.
Lacking discipline in the early months of the season, Soro could be immediately ousted if McCann signs.