Selling Malick Thiaw is a priority for Schalke according to reports in Germany, with sporting director Rouven Schroder admitting they have too many central defenders as things stand.
The towering 20-year-old was linked with a move to Celtic earlier in the window as Ange Postecoglou looks to further bolster his defensive ranks. The German side, meanwhile, had been close to landing Christopher Jullien from the Hoops - but settled on Japan defender Maya Yoshida after the deal collapsed.
It means the Bundesliga side now have six central defenders on their books and RUHR 24 say that moving one or two on is essential before they can make any more signings. They quote Schroder, who addressed Thiaw by name, and admitted it's "clear" there will be some players moving on in that position.
He said:: "We have a few players in that position. It is clear that there will be movement on the transfer side. I think Malick suits us very well in the Bundesliga, but we have always said that we deal with offers that come in. If the overall theme fits, we will also think about it."
Previously linked with Liverpool, Thiaw comes very highly-rated and Schalke still want close to €10m (£8.5m) to let him go, despite him seemingly being surplus to requirements and that would be on the steep side for Celtic. AC Milan and Bologna are both thought to be keen.
Elsewhere, midfielder Ismaila Soro finally sealed his move away from Celtic under the cover of darkness on Saturday night. The club are yet to announce the deal on their social media platforms but Portuguese side FC Arouca announced a season-loan with an option to buy.
Soro has managed less than 50 appearances during his two-and-a-half years at Celtic Park and barely featured under Postecoglou towards the business end of last season. He said upon leaving: "Arouca is very good for me, for my career and for my development, but for that I have to work a lot from day one.”
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