Celtic kickstart recruitment overhaul as South American talent spotter 'leads' 3 point transfer masterplan

Celtic have reportedly hired former South American talent spotter Mark Cooper as they revamp the club's scouting department before the summer window.

Parkhead chiefs have been on the look-out to replace Mark Lawwell and Joe Dudgeon in recent months ahead of a massive summer for the Scottish Premiership leaders. Recruitment has been a major question mark among supporters since Brendan Rodgers returned to the Celtic Park hot seat with several big money additions failing to make their mark on the Hoops' first-team in the last 12 months.

Nicolas Kuhn was the only arrival in the last two windows to start the game against Hearts last weekend. January recruit Adam Idah has made a mark on the title battle with Rangers while Luis Palma and Yang have also managed to break into Rodgers' plans. However, the likes of Gustaf Lagerbielke, Maik Nawrocki, Odin Thiago Holm, Marco Tilio and Kwon have struggled for regular game time at Celtic.

The Daily Mail report that Cooper, who had been based in South America, has taken on a full-time role in Glasgow's east end. It is noted that Celtic chiefs have issued key demands to the incoming transfer guru to "improve the standard of first-team recruitment."

He has also been urged to target players aged between 19 and 23 that also boast international experience. These deals must also fit into the Parkhead financial criteria.