Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers will have scoping out new arrivals in his thoughts this summer once the campaign ends.
The Irishman has also been given a boost on the recruitment front after news emerged indicating former Parkhead talent spotter Marc Cooper has been brought back to the club in a full-time position, per reports.
His duties will involve enhancing the quality of transfer incomings at Celtic, and he is already drawing up a list of targets that could be viable options to explore.
Recent claims came to light in media circles that Rodgers has Motherwell goalkeeper Liam Kelly on his radar to strengthen the ranks, with Benjamin Siegrist deemed likely to join Joe Hart in departing during the upcoming window.
Available on a free transfer at the end of the month, the Scotland international is familiar to goalkeeping coach Stevie Woods and would also offer room for manoeuvre concerning squad registration rules in Europe.
In a recent interview, Stuart Kettlewell moved to address the rumours, admitting he wasn’t surprised at the level of interest in his services, given clubs from England are also monitoring the former Livingston man’s situation. Despite this, the 39-year-old hopes to keep him at Fir Park.
He stated: “What wouldn’t surprise me is a goalkeeper of his stature and his standing attracting interest, but again, Liam would be somebody that I would love to keep at the football club. I would like to retain him.”
Fresh Liam Kelly update comes to light amid Celtic interest
According to The Scottish Sun, Celtic aren’t courting Kelly despite initial reports making suggestions to the contrary, which may signal a return to English football is more likely for the Motherwell star.
This term, the Glasgow-born man has kept five clean sheets in 40 appearances across all competitions; however, the outlet indicate he now won’t be swapping the Steelmen for the Bhoys [Transfermarkt].
With two conflicting stories arising in a short space of time, only time will tell whether there is any weight to either in the cold light of day.
If he doesn’t renew terms on a new deal at Motherwell, Kelly won’t be short of suitors, as he will be a lucrative option on the market as a free agent.
Either way, it is highly anticipated at Celtic that a goalkeeping arrival or two is said to be firmly on Rodgers’ priority list.