With more than a fortnight still to go in the transfer window reality has long since given way to speculation.
A new cycle has developed where anything can be suggested on in social media, is picked up on by an obscure foreign website then reported back to mainstream UK websites and off we go with Yaya Toure.
With his brother on the coaching staff at Celtic giving the rumour extra credibility Monday was a day of fervent speculation added to by a convenient appearance on Monday Night Football from Sky Sports.
Over to you @CelticFC pic.twitter.com/q4RKo3zAGn
— Shaun Hendo (@Shaunn_88) January 14, 2019
After a Greek website picked up on the yarn it gained legs before Sky Sports dismissed the story. All the while some Celtic fans pointed out the almost complete lack of game time for the 35-year-old despite his impressive CV.
Two starts in 18 months, 54 minutes this season with Olympiakos, 228 the previous season at Manchester City doesn’t amount to much even if you have Monaco, Barcelona and Manchester City on your record.
There is plenty of glamour being linked to such a prestigious name but in the cold light of day a right-back and a central defender are the next items on the wish list of most Celtic fans to prevent a third successive transfer window from falling flat.
