Brendan Rodgers told statement Celtic transfer will break board's 'thin skinned' approach as Jota exit the catalyst for better

Brendan Rodgers has been told a 'statement' Celtic signing will ease supporters' transfer groans.

The Hoops lack of options has come somewhat to the fore after the weekend's off-script Viaplay Cup exit to Kilmarnock was compounded by the news that defenders Cameron Carter-Vickers, Maik Nawrocki and Stephen Welsh all face lengthy spells on the sidelines. It leaves new boy Gustaf Lagerbielke the only recognised centre-half with Champions League clashes and a testing trip to face Rangers on the immediate horizon.

Rodgers insisted despite the blow that the Scottish champions won't be rushed in to slap-dash transfer business, after it emerged that Honduras winger Luis Palma was on the Hoops' radar in a £3.5million swoop. Brondby forward Mathias Kvistgaarden has also been touted, but former Celtic star Andy Walker reckons only a statement signing will ease fears.

The pundit insists that the money-spinning exit of Jota should act as a catalyst for 'bigger and better' business before the window slams shut. He told Go Radio when quizzed on Palma: "Something in his position, yes. Celtic would not baulk at that fee, they have done it before. I have no doubt Celtic will get some business done both in and out in the next seven days. Celtic are very cash-rich and you wonder why they haven't made a statement signing.

"Anytime you criticise the Celtic board, they're very thin skinned and they'll always point to the fact they have seventeen trophies out of the last twenty one that they will go about their business in the same way. This is something Celtic fans talk about every day and they're wondering why Celtic haven't made that statement signing given that they had this extraordinary piece of business with £25million for Jota. I