Newly appointed Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers is considering recently released Kolo Toure as the solution to his defensive problems ahead of the Champions League qualifying rounds. The former Liverpool manager is also keen to sign Scott Sinclair from Aston Villa in a bid to bolster the attack.
The Celts’ defensive duo Jozo Simunovic and Dedryck Boyata are out injured and are likely to remain unavailable for the Champions League qualifying stages. The Northern Irishman has reportedly turned to Kolo Toure to bolster the defense. Kolo Toure featured 26 times for Liverpool last season including the Europa League Final in Basel. Liverpool were keen to add the Ivory Coast defender to their coaching staff. Kolo, though, wished to prolong his playing career, and was thus released by The Reds.
Rodgers’ could do with a player that boasts of experience and has a penchant for victory. Kolo Toure ticks both the boxes and has more than 350 appearances at club level along with 2 Premier League. Kolo would be excited to be reunited with the manager who had signed him for the Anfield outfit. However, the deal is far from done as there is reported interest from Ligue 1 giants Monaco.
The defense is not the only place in which Rodgers seeks to add options, though, as he wants to sign Aston Villa winger Scott Sinclair. The recently appointed Parkhead boss has seen his £2 million bid rejected for the former Manchester City winger with Aston Villa slapping a £6 million price tag on the Celtic target. The reported asking price would mean matching the club record transfer fee The Bhoys paid for John Hartson in 2001.
Sinclair recently got relegated with Aston Villa and was largely underwhelming in his 25 appearances for the club contributing only 2 goals and no assists. There seems to be no real interest in Sinclair apart from his former boss and he could truly be on his way to Celtic Park.
Rodgers’ intent with both the targets is clear and having the green light to offer high wages to incoming players, it looks like the Northern Irishman could have two familiar faces in his Celtic squad soon.
