The transfer rumours are no longer slowing down.
If anything, they are gathering momentum.
Over the last 24 hours, two names have moved firmly into the spotlight as Celtic look to strengthen the squad before the new season.
The first is Lithuanian international Gvidas Gineitis, with reports suggesting Celtic are considering a move for the Torino midfielder should there be significant interest in Arne Engels. The 21-year-old is highly regarded for his energy, technical ability and versatility in midfield.
The second is Senegal international Nobel Mendy.
Reports from Spain claim Celtic are among several clubs attempting to sign the 21-year-old central defender, who impressed at Rayo Vallecano last season after joining from Real Betis. Bundesliga clubs are also believed to be interested, meaning Celtic could face serious competition if they decide to pursue the deal.
These are exactly the type of players Celtic should be targeting.
Young.
Athletic.
With room to improve.
And capable of increasing in value.
But supporters have every right to remain cautious.
Celtic have been linked with countless players over recent transfer windows. Some arrive. Many don’t. Until scarves are held above heads at Celtic Park, supporters have learned not to celebrate rumours.
That doesn’t mean the club shouldn’t be praised for identifying promising talent.
It means the next step is the one that matters.
Getting deals completed.
The encouraging aspect is that the areas being linked make sense. A central defender is needed. Midfield depth may become increasingly important if interest in key players develops further during the window.
Planning ahead is exactly what a well-run football club should do.
The challenge now is turning planning into action.
With pre-season underway and the Champions League qualifiers edging ever closer, Celtic cannot afford another summer where important business drifts into August.
Supporters don’t expect every transfer target to sign.
They do expect urgency.
They expect ambition.
And they expect the club’s financial strength to be reflected in the quality of the squad assembled before Europe’s biggest nights return to Celtic Park.
The transfer stories are becoming more interesting by the day.
Now Celtic have to make sure they become transfer announcements.
Will this finally be the week the rumours turn into signings?
Who is responsible for transfers now because we seem to be interested in everyone we won’t spend money on them if it’s down to MN we will be waiting until the next millennium. This is again an area Celtic have had problems and they have had plenty of time to sort it out but yet again nothing happens.
Sevco tried to sign Mendy last season and he failed a medical the fact they tried to sign him puts me off him but we need to start signing players this week if nobody signs this week we ain’t signing anybody then
Plunge, remember Big John Hartson failed a medical at Rangers and the rest as they say is history.