Charlie Nicholas believes Celtic are chasing the wrong player in Aaron Hickey - and should have bought him from Hearts if he was going to sign at all.
The outspoken pundit has regularly launched criticism at the transfer business conducted at Celtic Park - previously pinpointing last summer's pitfalls as a major part of Neil Lennon's struggles.
Nicholas now fears similar mistakes could be being made as the club look to add Bologna wing-back Hickey just a year after he left Tynecastle.
With the Serie A side forking out around £1.5million for his services, and Celtic reportedly pursuing a deal in the region of £3.5million, the former Sky Sports pundit is concerned history is repeating itself.
He called for Ange Postecoglou to focus on the spine of his team rather than pricey wing-back options - and advised him to snap up Hibs starlet Josh Doig if he wants to improve at left-back.
He wrote in his Daily Express column: "It looks as if the Hoops have identified the Bologna full-back.
"It poses the question: why didn't they buy him last summer when Hearts were selling him?
"Celtic didn't buy him for £1million because he was defensively weak and they were right. Hickey's strengths are going forward.
"Now all of a sudden, they look ready to pay in excess of £3million for the same player just 12 months later.
"He has been in Italy for a season. Has his defensive game improved?
"I don't really know because I have not really seen that much of him. That is why I would rather go for young Doig from Hibs.
"You can see what he has got and you can work on his defending.
"At Hibs, he has been learning that side of his game.
"Hickey didn't really do that at Hearts. They just played to his strengths. Maybe he has come on a lot in Italy, only time will tell if Celtic get their man.
"I have said it before that Celtic need to spend their money on the backbone of the team. That means at least one centre back, probably two and a goalkeeper."
