Celtic are widely reported to be interested in signing Israeli defender Rami Gershon during the January transfer window.
The 24-year-old can play in central defence or at left-back and seems to fit the signing profile that Celtic have followed in recent times.
Gershon has been unable to hold down a regular place in the Standard side this season but has remained in the Israeli national squad.
The 6ft 2 defender looks to be short on match fitness but can expect to become heavily involved if he moves to Celtic with Neil Lennon’s side involved in four competitions in the new year.
Standard are unlikely to be difficult to deal with having signed Gershon for a nominal fee from Hapoel Rishon Lezion in 2009and twice sending him out on loan to Kortrijk.
Lennon has already gone on record as wanting to add a left sided player as cover for Emilio Izaguirre while the African Nations Cup involvement of Efe Ambrose will test Celtic’s defensive cover.
Ambrose could be on international duty until February 10 if Nigeria reach the final in South Africa while Kelvin Wilson has a two match suspension hanging over him.
Charlie Mulgrew and Mikel Lustig are capable of playing in central defence but Lennon wants to have as many options as possible for the return from the winter break.
Bringing in Gershon would be virtually risk free allowing the Celtic manager to assess the defender before deciding whether it’s worthwhile to make the deal permanent at the end of the season.
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Let’s hope they manage to make a deal; we need the cover. It could also be right in at the deep end for Rami. So, if he comes, I hope he adapts quickly and turns out, after a bit of polishing, to be another diamond.
possible replacement for summer departure?
Not like Celtic to do business via the press, probably his agent pushing his name knowing Celtic are looking for some additional cover. We need players who can step in immediately not require 5-6 games to get up to speed.
Over recent years Celtic have kept the press well out of the picture in relation to real targets, so will hold fire until any such move is confirmed.
Don’t believe this story, Celtic don’t let these stories get out and also how can this guy be good enough for Celtic when he clearly isn’t rated at an average Belgian side.Doesn’t make sense to me.
Nice of the media to not only sell our team, but find us replacements as well. Maybe I had them all wrong! I will believe it if/when it happens.
I like this Lennon has a good group a round him i have to say I. Do not like Efe Ambrose He scared me every time he has the ball