OPINION
Celtic are reportedly in the hunt to sign Groningen defender Samir Memisevic – and the Glasgow giants would be playing a blinder if they manage to seal a swoop for the 6ft 1 ace before the end of the month.
According to Bosnian news outlet Fokus, the Hoops want to sign Memisevic, 25, and have made him their current number one target.
It is understood that Galatasaray are also interested in signing the Bosnia and Herzegovina international, but the Turkish club will not come near to being able to win the race for his signature.
That puts Celtic at a huge advantage to pull off a masterstroke signing before the deadline in less than a weeks’ time.
Fokus report that Memisevic is one of the best defenders in the Netherlands, and it is not the first time that the Bhoys have been after a centre-back from Groningen.
Virgil van Dijk was welcomed to British football by signing him from the Eredivise outfit and who knew that five years after touching down in Glasgow, he would end up being signed for £75million and playing in a Champions League final.
Of course, it’s very unlikely that Memisevic would follow the same route of van Dijk, but the Bosnian is still a quality centre-back – and Brendan Rodgers needs quality centre-backs.
The Hoops have not kept a clean sheet in any competition since the Scottish Premiership season kick off at the start of the month and have seen themselves crash out of the Champions League thanks to some woeful rearguard action.
Memisevic may not only be affordable, but could also be an upgrade on the likes of Jozo Simunovic, Dedryck Boyata and Jack Hendry, who have all disappointed.
Rodgers does not have long left before the transfer window closes so he must act fast to sign the Groningen centre-back.