Celtic 'move closer' to striker target and could sign trio
We told earlier how the Hoops were reportedly close to doing a deal with Antwerp for their winger Michel-Ange Balikwisha, a long term target.
The Scottish Sun is reporting they are also edging closer on another Japanese player in Yamada, a striker at Kawasaki Frontale. A deal could be concluded this week.
While Rodgers could also bring in Giuseppe Ambrosino on loan from Napoli.
Reports in Italy have suggested the under-21 cap is on the radar and could move on a deal including an option to buy.
Balikwisha has been in Celtic's sights since last summer and Antwerp are now pushing to sell as he is in the final year of his contract.
The Hoops have so far signed Kieran Tierney, Benjamin Nygren, Callum Osmand, Ross Doohan and Hayato Inamura.
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Rodgers said of his transfer plans: "We lost some really important players.
"Kyogo went and then Nicolas is possibly leaving.
"We know we need to improve and I'm pretty sure we will over the summer."
The arrival of several attacking players could see young Johnny Kenny go out on loan again, but Celtic want him to sign a new deal.
Rodgers added: "I spoke to Johnny this morning about his plan.
"We'd really like him to sign another deal with Celtic and decide on what's going to be best for his development, whether it's to stay or if he needs another step to go out."
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Scottish Sun
38 minutes ago
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Leader Live
an hour ago
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Stephen Welsh shoulder issue may require surgery
Midfielder Luke McCowan opened the scoring for the Scottish champions in the inaugural Cork Super Cup game in Ireland in the 28th minute with a sweet strike from just inside the box but a mix-up in the Hoops defence in the 67th minute, with interval substitute Welsh culpable, led to an equaliser from Matthew Murray. There was more misery for the 25-year-old centre-back, who spent the second half of last season on loan at Belgian side Mechelen, when he had to go off with his arm strapped up to protect yet another shoulder problem. Eighteen-year-old Colby Donovan, who was substituted before coming back on to replace Welsh, scored the late winner with a header. Hoops boss Rodgers confirmed Welsh's situation to Celtic TV, saying: 'He's done his shoulder again. 'It's the fourth time that it's popped out so I think you know when it keeps coming out like that, there's the possibility of an operation. So, he has to have a wee think about that. 'I think by the time the physios got on, it popped back in, but the pain was too sore so we took him off.' Rodgers described the match against the League of Ireland outfit at Pairc Ui Chaoimh as a 'really good exercise' for his side, which was far from full strength and which was much changed by the final whistle. The Northern Irishman said: 'First half, really good. We obviously changed the team and a lot of the young players in the second half will have learned from that. 'We didn't quite keep the ball so well and gave up the ball too cheaply. 'But overall, still find that Celtic mentality to keep going right to the very end and I've always said there's never a friendly when you play for Celtic. It's always a test because every team will want to always beat you. 'So we kept going right to the very end and Colby, who's been excellent, got the winning goal.' Celtic made it two wins out of two in pre-season after a win against Queen's Park last Friday and will head off to Portugal to continue their preparation for the upcoming campaign. Rodgers said: 'Obviously come the weekend, the international players will be back involved in the game (against Estrela da Amadora). 'But the start to the pre-season has been really good and we've got to continue working very, very hard. I think that's the nature of pre-season. 'There's no let-up, there's nothing easy, got to work to build that foundation of fitness and then we'll be, as I said, fully prepared, but we're looking forward to Portugal.' Meanwhile, Celtic announced Gustaf Lagerbielke has joined Braga on a permanent transfer. The 25-year-old Sweden defender joined the Parkhead club from Elfsborg in 2023 but spent last season on loan at Twente in the Netherlands.
