Ange Postecoglou has hinted "a couple" of Celtic players could leave before the window closes on Wednesday - and revealed that could spark another signing before the deadline.
The Australian was speaking ahead of Celtic's clash with Dundee United on Sunday, where they will need to win to retake top spot after Rangers trounced Ross County at Ibrox. His words came after Matt O'Riley insisted he's not thinking about his future beyond Parkhead despite links with a return to the English Premier League.
O'Riley isn't a name Postecoglou will be considering letting go although the same can't be said for the likes of Mikey Johnston and Albian Ajeti, who could find their heads on the chopping block before the window slams shut. And Postecoglou admits that if some stars do move on, there could be one more signing in the works.
“I’d be very surprised if anyone wants to leave this place at the moment. We’ll see how the next few days go. There’s the possibility of a couple of outgoings.
“And that could give us the opportunity to bring another one in. But there’s nothing fixed. If the right opportunity came along, we might add one more.
“If we don’t - I’m happy with the business we’ve done. It was great to get Sead finally done. I’m pleased to get a player who will fit in well with us. He’s only 23 but already has great experience with clubs and at international level. He’ll be a great asset for us.”
Meanwhile, Postecoglou expects Old Firm rivals Rangers to be just as strong in the Premiership title race this term - despite losing key men. Calvin Bassey and Joe Aribo were both sold this summer after helping the Ibrox side to a Europa League Final.
But six days before the clubs meet for the first time this season, Postecoglou claims the derbies will be tight affairs again. He said: “Rangers have had a turnover of players, which they haven’t had in the last three pre-seasons when they were building a team. Bassey and Aribo were significant players for them and they have brought in some who have started pretty positively for them.
“Irrespective of that, they are going to be tough opposition for us. The games were pretty tight last year and I think they will be the same this season.
“From our perspective, we have to make sure leading into that game we are in good form and feeling positive about things. We need to make sure we reach the levels we know we can. When we play at our best, we’re hard to stop, irrespective of who we are playing against.”
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