Celtic transfer state of play as Daniel Podence fee flexibility required with Fraser and Dier hurdles not easily cleared

Results have been good for Celtic even if early season displays haven't hit the heights expected.

That's a good sign for Brendan Rodgers, but he's keen to further strengthen before the end of the transfer window, especially with the Champions League group stage now lurching into view. There's an argument to be made for the Hoops' squad not being as strong as it was when Ange Postecoglou left in the summer, but there's still time to change that.

Daniel Podence of Wolves has emerged as an option out wide. With James Forrest the other side of 30 and Yang Hyun-jun needing time to adapt, Rodgers still lacks an established replacement for Jota after his mega money move to Saudi Arabia. Podence could be available, but the English premier League side value him at £12million - a price which will likely have to come down if a permanent deal is to be done.

Ryan Fraser is a name that has been put to the club Newcastle look to move him on. The Scotland winger has been out of favour under Eddie Howe and was banished from the first team squad at St James'. He's available on a free, but wages could be an issue and the circumstances in which he left the Toon and Bournemouth may have some clubs thinking twice.

At centre back, Gustaf Lagerbielke is expected to appear with a green and white scarf above his head any day now. Quentin Merlin is valued at £7million by nantes but Record Sport revealed that he is not an active target as far as the Hoops hierarchy are concerned.

Eric Dier is out of the picture under Postecoglou and Celtic have been namechecked as one club holding an interest. However, as with Fraser, wages could be a stumbling block and there is likely interest down south that would be able to cover Dier's salary demands without