John Collins has hinted that Celtic’s next signing is likely to be in defence.
The hoops have replaced Jason Denayer and Adam Matthews with Dedryck Boyata and Saidy Janko as Ronny Deila puts his own stamp on the squad.
Against Rennes on Saturday Deila saw 22 players in action with Kris Commons,
Stefan Johansen, Mikael Lustig, Logan Bailly and Darnell Fisher taking the first team squad towards the 30 mark.
Celtic haven’t signed a left-back since the arrival of Emilio Izaguirre five years ago with that area of the side appearing to be the priority for strengthening.
“Charlie (Mulgrew) has been playing very well so he would be a big loss if he doesn’t make it,” Collins admitted. “He’s such a versatile player for us.
“We have a good healthy squad but, like every manager or coach will tell you, it can always get better.
“You always look at players to improve each department. It’s not easy. Obviously there are financial constraints but there are also good players at the club so it’s not always easy to get better ones in. Time will tell if we bring any more in.”
Reaching the group stage of the Champions League would give Celtic a £20m plus boost but the club can’t speculate on that windfall until the final days of the transfer window.
Apart from Boyata and Janko the club has spent just under £2m bringing in Nadir Ciftci and Bailly with the same figure spent in January to bring Gary Mackay-Steven and Stuart Armstrong from Dundee United.