Celtic’s summer will be dominated by a constant barrage of departures.
Whether it’s someone on the Hoops playing staff or a member of the hierarchy at Parkhead, a mass exodus looks set to take place.
One of those who could leave Glasgow behind is central defender Kristoffer Ajer.
The Norwegian has come a long way since being signed as a 17-year-old, now attracting the eyes of those in the Premier League.
Newcastle have sent scouts to watch him and it wouldn’t be a great surprise if Saturday’s game with Hibernian was his last as a Celtic player.
With Christopher Jullien a long-term absentee, it leaves Stephen Welsh as the only reliable centre-half in the first-team picture.
As such, the Bhoys will need to delve into the transfer market and find a replacement.
According to TEAMtalk, Celtic are leading the race to sign Cardiff City defender Ciaron Brown. The Northern Irishman has had quite the story, being snapped out of non-league football to becoming a professional.
He starred for Livingston earlier this term and it’s his performances at Almondvale that leads us to believe Celtic should sign him.
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A dogged defender who can also play at wing-back, he is rather different to Ajer. The Norway international is a wonderful ball-playing centre-back, something epitomised by his pass success rate of 97% this weekend.
Brown, on the other hand, is not so good with the ball at his feet. Throughout 2020/21, the 23-year-old has completed just 53.1% of his passes.
That is a horrifying number but there are certain advantages to signing him. For example, he is colossal in the air, winning 3.3 aerial battles per match this term.
He is also a prolific tackler, winning 1.6 challenges per game for Livingston.
Celtic have seen firsthand what a bully he can be in defence and in the final third. When they drew 2-2 with Livi back in January, Brown not only scored but also assisted a goal from centre-back.
He made a devastating impact that crushed Lennon’s side and handed them a pretty embarrassing result away from home.
A strong and hard-working footballer, his mental attributes could undeniably help Celtic’s lacklustre defence.
They conceded 16 more goals than Rangers in the league this season so need someone with a bit of extra steel.
Speaking to The Daily Record after Cardiff recalled him from his loan spell in Scotland, manager David Martindale said: “He is a massive player for us and he is a great lad around the place.
“Ciaron has got a very good football brain. When I ask him to do a job, he knows what to do and nine times out of ten he will make the right decision.”
Considering the Celtic backline have lacked some very basic decision-making skills this season, Brown would be an astute capture.
They will, however, need to ensure he passes the ball out more adequately than he’s shown this season.
AND in other news, Celtic must sign 5 ft 8 beast who gets “in people’s faces”, he’s perfect for Eddie Howe…