Another transfer window is nearly upon us and almost every Celtic supporter is hoping that their club make a move to sign a central defender.

With numbers in the position low due to injury, players being played out of position and regular starters struggling for form, it's an area that needs addressed more than ever, especially ahead of their Europa League Round of 32 tie against Zenit St Petersburg.

For too long Celtic have failed to address their defensive problems at European level and it's something Brendan Rodgers must try and do something to fix next month.

There are a variety of ways to do that. They could opt to sign a more experience pro, sign a player showing glimpses of quality who is ready for a move to a bigger club or even make a loan move for a player with huge potential who is struggling to get first team action.

Here are THREE different options that could make an impact on the Hoops first team...

Alberto Botia

If Celtic want to add a bit of experience to their squad then they could do a lot worse than Olympiakos defender Alberto Botia. The former Spanish U21 international has been at the Greek club since 2014 but with his contract running out next summer, it presents an opportunity for a club like Celtic to make a move.

During his time in Greece he's gained plenty of experience in UEFA competition, making 26 appearances across the Europa League and Champions League. He's been involved this season too, helping his side to a 0-0 result at home to Barcelona.

The 28-year-old has the pedigree to compete for first team places at the Hoops and could be a cost-effective solution to the problem at hand, without compromising on quality.

Marc-Oliver Kempf

Another player who is out of contract next summer, 22-year-old Marc-Oliver Kempf has a rising reputation in the game, part of the Germany U21 team that won the European Championships this year.

A regular for Bundesliga side Freiburg, he appears to be destined for big things in the game and Celtic's recent track record of attracting young talent that then make big money moves elsewhere could be attractive for a player that will be hoping to secure regular first team football.

European football would likely be an attraction too and although he lacks experience there, his potential to grow into a future German international is worth pursuing for an ambitious club like Celtic.

Axel Tuanzebe

Axel Tuanzebe is one of those young English Premier League stars that possesses serious quality but can't get a game for their club due to established quality professionals being trusted by their managers. It's so difficult for players at the likes of Manchester United and Chelsea to break through when the stakes are so high.

Tuanzebe is trying his best, on the fringes of Jose Mourinho's side and training regularly with the first-team.

Loan moves are something that have been successful for Celtic in recent years with the likes of Patrick Roberts, Jason Denayer and Odsonne Edouard impressing on loan from richer clubs packed with quality.

At 20 years of age, Tuanzebe needs regular first team action to develop into the player Man United fans hope he will and Brendan Rodgers' Celtic could be the perfect destination for him.