da 888： With Celtic considerably off the pace in the SPFL at the moment, perhaps the transfer window is approaching at just the right time.
da spicy bet： We are now only five weeks away from seeing the window open its doors but will Neil Lennon even be in charge then? Time will tell.
What’s the word?
If Lennon is still at the helm then he’ll have a lot of work to do in order to presumably bridge what will still be a big gap between Celtic and their arch-rivals Rangers.
We’ve seen players like Siriki Dembele linked with a move to the club but a fresh story revolves around someone already in Glasgow; Diego Laxalt.
The left-back signed on loan for the 2020/21 season in the summer but there is a strong possibility that he could complete a permanent switch to Parkhead.
AC Milan currently owns the Uruguayan but according to Italian outlet PianetaMilan, he could be Celtic’s man on one condition.
They suggest that Milan will look to use Laxalt as a bargaining chip in order to lure Kristoffer Ajer to the San Siro in a swap deal.
Reportedly, Celtic’s relationship with the Serie A giants is healthy so a deal could well be pursued.
Long-term Tierney successor
Judging by Celtic’s defensive record this season Ajer won’t be as great a loss as we first envisaged when rumours of a move to Milan first start swirling last summer.
The 22-year-old has played 13 times in the SPFL this term but has conceded 13 goals in the process – that’s ten more than Rangers.
Thus, selling him to Milan and getting Laxalt in return would be a phenomenal piece of business.
Since Kieran Tierney left for Arsenal in 2019, the Bhoys haven’t really found a natural successor on the left-hand side.
However, their current option in that third of the pitch offers so much to the side and shares great similarities with Tierney.
The Scot was always a pillar of consistency, combining speed and energy with an unrelenting attitude. Does that sound familiar? Of course it does – you only need to look at Laxalt.
The Uruguay international is quick and has demonstrated excellent ability both defensively and offensively this season.
“I like him a lot. He gets about and puts a tackle in and I like that. He has that never-say-die attitude which is a very good sign. It looks like he will prove to be a great signing,” Frank McAvennie said earlier this year.
The plaudits have been continuous for the 27-year-old. Lennon commented: “Diego has been an excellent addition, a superb asset to the squad. He’s very fit and he’s a great defender. He gives us good balance on the left. He’s aggressive in his play and in his passing.”
Aggressive and never-say-die are the exact qualities that Tierney displayed in the famous green and white.
Laxalt really does feel like the natural successor Celtic have been crying out for.
In other news, Celtic could FINALLY find their replacement for Scott Sinclair…