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Celtic are set to miss out on transfer target James Justin, according to The Daily Record.

What's the story?

With Emilio Izaguirre leaving the club this summer after the expiration of his contract, the Hoops are on the hunt for a new left-back that can provide back-up for Kieran Tierney, a player who has had a host of injury problems over the last 12 months.

The Record report that Justin was a priority signing for the Hoops this summer after an impressive season at Luton Town, but that former boss Brendan Rodgers is set to beat them to his signature.

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The paper reckon that Leicester are now preparing 'to swoop' for the 21-year-old after getting a recommendation from former Celtic recruitment chief Lee Congerton, who now has a similar role at the Foxes.

A big transfer blow?

Yes, obviously missing out on one of their initial summer targets would be a blow to Celtic's ambitions, but the fact they were looking at such a highly sought after player is good news for supporters.

It's clear the club are shopping in the same market as Premier League clubs, a sign that the recruitment team at Celtic Park are gearing up for a big summer.

Having offered Izaguirre a contract before he decided a stay at the Hoops wasn't for him, fans have been worried that Celtic were to let the left-back position stagnate.

The aim appears to be signing proper quality competition for Tierney though, someone who can not just play a relief role but also test the Scotland international and potentially push his game onto new heights.

Who is further down the Hoops' transfer wishlist remains to be seen, but Celtic are definitely taking the left-back slot seriously, and that's reason enough for optimism for concerned fans at this stage of the summer.