Celtic have already completed the signing of Patryk Klimala this month and are seemingly set to welcome Ismaila Soro after striking a deal for his transfer, but they could end up missing out on another target in Aaron Hickey.

What's the word?

According to a recent report from the Scottish Sun, Crystal Palace will outbid the Scottish champions in the race for Hickey.

The Eagles are happy to loan the 17-year-old back to Hearts for the rest of the season should a deal be struck.

Celtic, meanwhile, are unwilling to meet the asking price for a player who started his career with the Hoops and is a lifelong fan.

Experience over projects

In recent years the Bhoys have established something of a reputation for targeting player projects.

There is a financial logic to a policy which champions the signing of young, unproven players before transforming them into outstanding talents and finally selling them on at an inflated price.

But the Hoops are attempting to make history by winning ten consecutive SPFL titles and require players with proven experience in the game rather than bets for the future.

Lennon's current options at left-back, Boli Bolingoli and Greg Taylor, are aged 24 and 22 respectively and have plenty of scope for improvement, so the club should be targeting a senior player to inject a layer of maturity into the backline.

Reported interest from Manchester City and AC Milan does suggest Hickey is a big talent for the future but with Rangers seemingly narrowing the gulf in class, and the fact Lennon has a multitude of projects with the likes of Klimala, Jeremie Frimpong and Marian Shved, the club need to alter their transfer policy accordingly.

That Palace look to be winning to race for Hearts' breakthrough talent could well be a blessing in disguise for the club under current circumstances.

In other Celtic news, plenty of supporters were left baffled by Neil Lennon's decision against Partick Thistle...