Brendan Rodgers acknowledges important Celtic summer plan to fix squad weakness

Celtic are currently locked in big title race with Rangers but plans are already underway to address squad weaknesses this summer

With three Scottish Premiership matches left to play, it is as you were in the league table following both sides claiming victories by three-goal margins against Heart of Midlothian and Kilmarnock, respectively.

The Bhoys still retain a positive goal differential of five compared to their city rivals, which could prove crucial once all is said and done.

Despite this, it appears that plans are already in motion for Celtic to strengthen the ranks this summer, with replacing Joe Hart a main priority amid links to Anthony Patterson, Asmir Begovic and Michael Zetterer, among others, a sign that there will be many transfer rumours to come once the window opens.

Queens Park Rangers defender Jake Clarke-Salter has been mentioned as a potential recruit in central defence; meanwhile, Cremonese midfielder Charles Pickel could provide depth in Brendan Rodgers’ engine room.

Taking an internal view, Celtic also have to decide on the future of Paulo Bernardo and Adam Idah, with the former said to have a buyout clause in the region of £6.4 million.

Brendan Rodgers earmarks important summer plan at Celtic

Right this second, all focus will be on next weekend’s derby clash alongside the other two league fixtures we have left to fulfil this campaign against Kilmarnock and St Mirren.

Nevertheless, Rodgers has admitted he will look to sort out the level of chances Celtic concede to the opposition from Game to Game, as he claimed veteran stopper Hart has had more to do between the sticks this term than he would ideally envisage.

Cited via Football Scotland, he explained: “Joe at times does not have too much to do, he’s had a bit more to do than I’d have liked this season. We will sort that out in the summer, but here he has produced some really important moments.”

Of course, we already know Hart will be retiring this summer, so one can only presume Rodgers is eluding to potential defensive reinforcements at Parkhead, which would be a welcome boost given the injury problems we have suffered in that area this term.

Winning in the present will take priority; however, it is refreshing to see the manager already identifying areas to improve once the transfer window opens for business.