Club chief suggests Celtic have clear run to sign Rodgers target, easier than previously thought

If Newcastle United are really prepared to see the back of Chancel Mbemba during the January transfer window, and there may be some doubt about that, then Celtic have a clearer run than previously thought.

When The Sun reported that Brendan Rodgers was considering the signing for Celtic in the current window, they said of possible Belgian competition: ‘Anderlecht are planning a mid-season spending spree following the arrival of wealthy new owner Marc Coucke.’

However, that’s simply not the case, meaning Celtic will have a clearer run.

Asked about their former player, Anderlecht’s general manager Herman Van Holsbeeck told DH: “He has a contract in Newcastle where he earns a lot of money, I know that we name a lot of names but we are in a situation of due diligence, this is the first time in my life that this has happened to me. I will try to manage it as best as possible.”

In further good news for Celtic’s hopes, Van Holsbeeck also said: “I have a mission: find reinforcements but without a big budget, so I’m trying to free some players first.”

Clearly, there’ll be no spending spree this month at Anderlecht, so Celtic don’t need to worry about that.

Celtic are looking to offload Erik Sviatchenko during the current window, suggesting a need for Rodgers to bring in another defender.