If you take a look down a list of Celtic’s current options, it’ll quickly become apparent that they have a whole host of areas they need to strengthen.
The Hoops’ defence will be of great concern after shipping 16 more goals than their biggest rivals last term while there is a big void in midfield that’s been left behind by Scott Brown.
On the chalkboard
The Bhoys have been linked with a number of central midfielders during the ongoing transfer market.
PFA Young Player of the Year nominee Ali McCann is on their radar while Lewis Ferguson has been touted as a potential acquisition as well.
Brown’s departure has left a hole that needs filling while Olivier Ntcham’s potential exit will place greater importance on strengthening the middle of the park.
Liam Shaw has arrived from Sheffield Wednesday but he’s still particularly raw.
According to Celtic Now and Forever, the Hoops now have Torino midfielder Sasa Lukic in their crosshairs.
Dialogue has been opened with the Italian club about a potential move but it’s one that could be rather expensive. Prior reports stated he was valued at £8.5m, close to Celtic’s record signing; Odsonne Edouard.
This would be a tremendous pick-up but you have to take it with a pinch of salt given his price tag.
That being said, Ange Postecoglou will have money to spend if they fetch hefty sums for Kristoffer Ajer and Edouard.
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Lukic is an all-action midfielder, someone who scored three times for Torino last term. His numbers weren’t too impressive in league action but he has been a star for his country, Serbia.
After shining at the U21 European Championships in 2019, he was described as a player of the “highest quality,” by World Football Scout.
He has taken on the mantle excellently since progressing into the senior side.
Lukic made three tackles per game in the Nations League, more than any Celtic player in the Premiership last term, while he also provided two key passes.
Of those who played in green and white last season, only David Turnbull and Ryan Christie bettered that statistic.
Composed in possession of the ball, the 24-year-old can dribble past players and advance towards goal, producing 1.3 shots per match. Based on those numbers, it would appear that Lukic is a classic box to box midfielder.
Ntcham has been Celtic’s go-to man in that department over the last few years so Postecoglou could welcome a like for like replacement here.
With the Australian favouring an intense and quick route to goal, Lukic’s playstyle could be perfect for the new Hoops boss.