It does feel like Celtic are being linked with a lot of names ahead of the January transfer window. The squad seems well balanced just now, but the signing of Marian Shved might hint at more similar operations in the future.
The young Ukrainian was signed and immediately loaned out last season, before arriving at Celtic Park during the Summer. He’s not managed to break through just yet, but he looks promising and might even benefit from another loan switch.
It makes sense for Celtic to target younger players and get them signed up early. It might seem harsh on some, but it’s become common for teams to sign young players and then develop them for the first team or to sell for an eventual profit.
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A report from GetfootballnewsFrance has quoted L’Equipe in saying Celtic, Newcastle and Leicester are all interested in Le Mans midfielder Stephane Diarra.
He’s only 20 but has played 10 times in the second tier this season, so he’s starting to build up experience. It might be a bit early to suggest that he could come in and make an immediate impact, but he could follow the Shved path as being a potential first team player in the future.
The report describes him as a right midfielder who has a high rate of successful dribbles. James Forrest has that right wing spot nailed down for now, but it’s the ideal time to start grooming an eventual successor for when he gets older and possible moves inside to the number ten role.
There’s no suggestion of any transfer fee or deal being agreed at this point by any of the interested sides, but it’s another name to keep an eye on over the next few months.