Celtic could be in the market for at least three new defenders in the January window, with loan flop Jahmai Simpson-Pusey poised to return to Manchester City.
The Parkhead club had been chasing a new right-back as well as a right-sided centre-back as they seek to revamp the squad under Wilfried Nancy.
They remain in talks with Bournemouth over a loan deal for Julian Araujo and are pushing to have the 24-year-old Mexican international full-back in the building for tomorrow’s Old Firm clash with Rangers.
But the move is complicated by Bournemouth’s existing loan deals and it is understood they would have to recall another player before being able to sanction Araujo’s switch to Glasgow.
Celtic were already looking at adding new additions in central defence, but Simpson-Pusey’s exit means they could now target two new centre-backs.
The 20-year-old has only made one appearance for Celtic despite being a regular in Pep Guardiola’s City squad last season.
Wilfried Nancy needs at least three new defenders to prop up his struggling Celtic side
Jah Simpson-Pusey is returning to Manchester City after things failed to work out for defender at Parkhead
Simpson-Pusey during one of his rare appearances for the Scottish champions
The English giants are poised to terminate the loan and have already lined up another move for the England youth international, with several clubs in Germany interested.
Simpson-Pusey’s failure to establish himself at Parkhead leave Celtic further depleted in terms of depth and cover in central defence.
They are also still in the market for two new forwards and are pressing ahead with targets despite their woeful form under Nancy.
The Frenchman has presided over five defeats in his seven games in charge and is under huge pressure heading into the Old Firm game at Celtic Park.
The champions are exploring a deal for Uruguay winger Nacho Laquintana, with Columbus Crew strike duo Wessam Abou Ali and Diego Rossi also on their radar.
Kelechi Iheanacho is still out injured, with Callum Osmand facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines.
The Celtic defence were all at sea as Elliot Watt took advantage of mistakes to put Motherwell 2-0 up
Celtic players don’t know where to look after being torn apart by Steelmen on Tuesday
Daizen Maeda, Johnny Kenny and Shin Yamada have shared No 9 duties over recent matches, but Nancy wants more firepower.
The under-fire boss has stated that he will prioritise players’ strength of character and personality when making signings
Speaking last week about the transfer window opening, he said: ‘It is important that, when you sign players, they need to have personality.
‘This is a big club. To play here is not always easy. It is so, so important to have players who can play here at a club like this.’
