Celtic are going to have to move incredibly quickly in the last few weeks of the window to ensure they aren’t left behind by their rivals.

The Hoops have signed a fair few players already but with player exits and the need to improve in mind, Ange Postecoglou desperately needs further recruits.

What’s the word?

Celtic lost Scott Brown this summer as their former captain headed for Aberdeen in a player-coach capacity.

However, despite the arrival of ex-Sheffield Wednesday youngster Liam Shaw, they are yet to replace his influence in the middle of the park.

One player who’s been on the Hoops’ radar for a while now is James McCarthy. Their interest dates back to last summer but after his contract expired with Crystal Palace last month, he is now a free agent.

As a result, Dominic McKay and co won’t need to part ways with much cash in order to bring him to Glasgow.

According to the Daily Mail, the Bhoys are still very much interested in signing him too.

Soro upgrade

When Celtic considered another move for McCarthy a few months ago, it looked like a mistake.

After all, Postecoglou needed to take this Celtic side in the direction of youth, rather than players who may be past their best.

He had Ismaila Soro and Shaw to bring through as Brown’s heir but so far, his influence has actually been missing.

Shaw is yet to start for the Bhoys in a competitive fixture while Soro has unfortunately endured a torrid start to the season.

During the second leg against Midtjylland, the Ivorian was way below his best, winning just two of ten ground duels that he attempted. In the process, the young midfielder made an alarming four fouls.

Soro was again poor against Hearts last weekend, making five fouls and winning only two of his seven ground duels.

He looked like a promising young prospect last term but his start to the new campaign has proven that he still has some maturing to do in order to become a regular in the side.

Therefore, by signing McCarthy, they could give themselves a safer pair of hands.

Dubbed a "class act" by Roy Hodgson, the 42-cap international is secure in possession of the ball but importantly, he’s astute in defensive situations. A consistent performer in the Premier League, he won 2.5 tackles per match in his last season of regular action for the Eagles.

Coincidentally, that’s the same number as his career average and also a better tally than Soro. He won just 1.9 tackles per match in the Premiership last season by comparison.

Subsequently, the Hoops recruitment team are right to be searching for a player in the mould of McCarthy; they certainly need another midfielder.

AND in other news, Postecoglou could repeat Celtic's Arzani nightmare by signing 26-goal ace...