In a story that feels as if it has now been rumbling on for the best part of a year, Ange Postecoglou's Celtic side have once again been linked with a move to bring Lee Buchanan to Parkhead in the January transfer window.

Indeed, Derbyshire Live reported on Sunday that the Bhoys - alongside the likes of Nottingham Forest and West Ham United - have renewed their interest in the Derby County left-back, while Watford and other unnamed English sides are also believed to be tracking the 20-year-old ahead of a potential move this month.

It is easy to see why Postecoglou would be interested in securing a deal for the England U20 international this January, as Buchanan is undoubtedly a player who boasts a significant amount of potential, and would appear to be available on something of a cut-price deal - considering the fact his current contract at Pride Park expires at the end of the season, in addition to Derby's rather dire financial situation.

Furthermore, left-back is an area of the Hoops squad that lacks any real strength in depth, as, behind first-choice Greg Taylor, the Greek-Australian manager has only the options of 19-year-old Adam Montgomery and the outcasted 26-year-old Boli Bolingoli.

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And, with the latter of this trio being linked with a move away from Parkhead this month, a January swoop for Buchanan could well prove to be the final nail in the coffin for the £16k-per-week dud who Neil Lennon once dubbed "selfish."

Indeed, the Derby defender is undoubtedly a player who has a much higher ceiling than the former Belgium U16 international, with Wayne Rooney stating of the 20-year-old: "He's a top, top player. I'd argue he's one of the best young left-backs in the country. And he can go to another level as well. He's a real top player."

It is not difficult to see why the former England captain feels this way, as, despite his tender age, the £2.25m-rated full-back has already gone on to make 60 first-team appearances for the Rams - 35 of which came in the Championship last time out, when Buchanan played a key role in helping his side survive relegation to League One on the final day of the season.

As such, when taking into account all of the above, it would indeed appear a very wise move for Postecoglou to finally axe Bolingoli this month, before reinvesting the Belgian's wages and potential transfer funds into a move for the Derby starlet.

In other news: Fee agreed: Celtic close in on £5.7k-p/w gem with "amazing feet", Ange will be buzzing