Celtic now want long-term deal for "wonderful" star with 280 PL appearances

Celtic are starting to accelerate their summer business and now find themselves in the hunt for a proven operator with plenty of Premier League experience, according to a report.

Celtic see off Sporting in statement pre-season victory

Rounding off their pre-season camp in Portugal, Celtic saw off Primeira Liga champions Sporting Clube de Portugal 2-0 courtesy of goals from Reo Hatate and Luke McCowan.

After a promising performance that will quell some anxieties experienced by supporters in relation to transfer business, Brendan Rodgers confirmed Celtic are close to making their sixth summer signing — Kawasaki Frontale forward Shin Yamada.

He stated: “He’ll have a medical over the next couple of days and we’ll have a look at him. We’ve lost a lot of goals, so we need to replace that. Hopefully, this can be one of a number of players we can bring in that aspect.

“He’s got intensity and workrate. It’s something the scouts have seen. In terms of the club, we will bring in players to develop and players for now. Even though he’s a bit older, he’s probably one that can give us that intensity and pressure.”

Contact has reportedly been made by Celtic in relation to Odsonne Edouard. However, Rodgers also appeared to distance himself from a move for the Crystal Palace forward during his post-match duties.

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Clearly, adding one or two alternatives through the middle has become a key priority for the Irishman, though he will also be keen to offer competition for Kieran Tierney on the left-hand side of defence.

With the Bhoys veering towards the start of their Scottish Premiership title defence, Celtic may have identified the man to fill their vacant slot.

Celtic plot surprise return for Jeffrey Schlupp

According to Africa Foot, Celtic could move to re-sign free agent Jeffrey Schlupp after he left Crystal Palace upon the expiration of his contract at Selhurst Park.

The Ghana international spent the second half of last campaign on loan in Glasgow, acting as a rotational figure alongside Greg Taylor as the Bhoys claimed the Scottish Premiership title.

Labelled “wonderful” by Rodgers, an added caveat to a potential transfer comes in the form of Schlupp having the same agent as Celtic forward Adam Idah.

However, some would argue bringing in a younger player would cover more bases in the long-term rather than someone approaching the twilight of their career.

Either way, Celtic will face competition for Schlupp, given that Hull City, Sheffield United and West Bromwich Albion are also circling for the veteran defender.