Sheffield United star George Baldock is back on the transfer radar of Celtic.
Parkhead boss Ange Postecoglou is pressing ahead with his squad rebuild with just over three weeks to go before the Champions League opener against Danish outfit FC Midtjylland.
Right back is one of the key areas the Australian must address.
Postecoglou has a host of alternatives for several positions and Record Sport understands Baldock’s name is high on the full-back list.
The 28-year-old was known to Celtic’s recruitment team two years ago when Swedish international Mikael Lustig left the club but he stayed with the Blades to play in the English Premier League under previous boss Chris Wilder.
However, with Wilder gone and United having been relegated into the English Championship, Baldock is again an option.
New Bramall Lane boss Slavisa Jokanovic is preparing to assess his squad for the upcoming campaign in the English second tier after taking charge and it’s understood the club may make personnel alterations following their demotion from the top flight.
Baldock signed a new Blades deal last year and, with no concrete move being made at this stage, any potential advancement towards a switch might well hinge on the size of United’s transfer fee demands.
But the defender’s name is in the frame with Celtic needing to boost a crucial area.
Jeremie Frimpong was sold from Parkhead to Bayer Leverkusen last season for £11.5 million and Israeli Hatem Abd Elhamed also returned to his homeland to rejoin Hapoel Be’er Sheva.
The void was filled for the second half of the campaign by loan signing Jonjoe Kenny, but the Scouser has returned to Everton and, although Anthony Ralston has been retained to try and impress Postecoglou, Celtic still need more cover for the right side of their backline.
Postecoglou admits the clock is ticking on finding new recruits as he looks to build his group.
Croatian teenage defender Mario Vuskovic is being tracked with Hajduk Split preparing to sell this summer.
Torino are also interested and the 19-year-old’s club are hoping to attract more offers in the near future as they look to try and make over £5 million from his imminent departure.
A report from Croatia claims the
Danish star Erik Sviatchenko is under consideration, whilst Ecuadorian youngster Piero Hincapie, who is currently involved in the Copa America, has also been scouted with Celtic amongst a raft of European clubs following his development.
Celtic needs defensive provisions with Kristoffer Ajer, who was also used at right-back on occasion last term, ready to leave.
Norwich and Bayer Leverkusen have both launched bids for the Norwegian and Russian media last night claimed Zenit St Petersburg are also now showing an interest.
Olivier Ntcham has also been the subject of interest from Greeks AEK Athens, but, as yet, no deal has been concluded with the Frenchman still having one year remaining on his current contract.
