Celtic ‘Put The Feelers Out’ For Possible New Addition | OneFootball

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Celtic ‘have put the feelers out’ on potential loan deals as they look to bring in a right-back following Alistair Johnston’s injury, according to journalist Mark Hendry.

Johnston suffered a hamstring injury in the win over Kilmarnock earlier this month and it was initially thought not to be too serious for the defender.

Further scans though provided a real blow for the Canada international, who could now be out of action until November.

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Celtic will need to be careful when the full-back returns, due to the nature of the injury, and Martin O’Neill is keen to add to his right-back options as a result.

While doing a permanent deal for a new right-back does not appear to be on Celtic’s agenda, the club are putting out the feelers for a loan deal.

Who they might end up signing is unclear, especially if they limit their options to loan deals, but locking up a spot in the Champions League league phase will give Celtic more financial firepower.

They have already shown interest in right-back Yukinari Sugawara, who spent last season on loan at German side Werder Bremen from Southampton.

Werder Bremen wanted to keep hold of Sugawara, but could not afford the fee, even if they have not yet lost hope of bringing back the Japan international.

Celtic would also face competition from PSV Eindhoven if they progress with interest in Sugawara.

The Scottish champions have caught the eye with their work in the transfer market this summer and show no signs of being finished yet.

Landing another goalkeeper is a big priority at Paradise and the club are being offered a number of options by intermediaries.

O’Neill will know that there will be demands on the depth of his squad with Champions League league phase football, while he also needs to make sure Celtic are still top of the tree in Scottish football.

Celtic must now fully lock up their league phase spot by visiting Austrian side LASK Linz for the second leg of their playoff round tie on Tuesday evening.

Leading 3-0 from the first leg, Celtic will fancy their chances of getting the job done in Linz.