6 rocketing Celtic transfer headlines on Tierney, Jota, Taylor, Barry and Melia as £40m man Chukwuemeka fits the bill
Brendan Rodgers has played down speculation over high-profile exits from Celtic - but the rumour mill is moving into overdrive over potential arrivals.
Bayer Leverkusen had reportedly been sniffing around Cameron Carter-Vickers but speculation over a January exit was slapped down by the boss - while swirling rumours over Kyogo Furuhashi's future and a potential move to Atlanta United have lingered in recent days. The club are focussing on showing the door to fringe men appears rather than cashing on key stars - with Luis Palma, Alexandro Bernabei and Maik Nawrocki likely to follow Stephen Welsh out of the club.
But the Hoops' fans are keen to see the recruitment drive kickstart as they hope for a domestic clean sweep and progress in the Champions League. So what is the latest from Celtic Park? Record Sport takes a look.
Kieran Tierney
Kieran Tierney is inching closer to making a return to Celtic with his Arsenal contract set to expire at the end of the current campaign. And Michael Stewart reckons that Brendan Rodgers is "excited" about the arrival - despite playing his cards close to his chest.
He told BBC Sportsound: "I am pretty sure in his private moments he himself is perhaps excited at the potential return of Kieran Tierney.
But I have got a lot of respect for what he did for Greg Taylor there. I think it was admirable. He has already made a few statements about Greg Taylor. How much he enjoys working with him and values him. I think it’s an interesting topic.”
Greg Taylor
Speaking of Greg Taylor, Mail Sport revealed that Spanish outfit Espanyol and English Championship teams Hull City and QPR are also keen on the 27-year-old. While his preference is to remain in Glasgow's east end, the Hull Daily Mail report that the left-back is wanted at the MKM Stadium this month with other targets also being considered.
Carney Chukwuemeka
The midfielder has a £40m release clause - and Chelsea are said to be pushing for a permanent exit amid escalating rumours that he could be on Celtic's agenda this month. However, The Telegraph note that the club are keen to offload the fringe man this month.
The Blues have told suitors they are "open" to a temporary move away from Stamford Bridge. Borussia Dortmund are also said to be in talks.
Jota
Former Celtic star Jota has been told he can leave Stade Rennes after just six months after dropping down the pecking order under Jorge Sampaoli, according to Ouest-France. Hoops fans are dreaming of a return to Celtic Park for the winger - but Mais Futebol report that talks over a loan move to Olympiacos are ongoing.
Louie Barry
Celtic have reportedly set their sights on Aston Villa starlet Louie Barry. The 21-year-old has just returned to the Hoops Champions League rivals after his latest loan spell away from Villa Park which saw him bag 15 goals in just 23 games.
Barry was signed from Barcelona for just under £1million, having left West Brom to move to the Spanish giants six years ago when he was just 16. The Daily Mail note that Celtic are keen on a loan but a roadblock has emerged as Villa already have their full quota of foreign loans out.
Mason Melia
Youngster Mason Melia has reportedly travelled to Celtic amid growing interest in the St Patrick's Athletic teenager. The Irish Mirror reported that a similar offer was put on the table by Tottenham with the offer being taken up by the 17-year-old before Christmas.
Serie A side Bologna are also eager to bring Melia over, while there is interest too from the Bundesliga. It is noted that Melia is likely to opt for a move to the UK. A move looks set to be put on hold as he cannot make a switch until his 18th birthday in late-September - meaning a move couldn't take place until NEXT January.
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