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Celtic set sights on £4.3 million defender who won 53 duels last season

5 days ago 2

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Celtic find themselves becoming very busy in the transfer window and could now move to add further solidity to their backline, according to reports.

Celtic begin to turn the screw on defensive reinforcements

Kieran Tierney agreed his emotional return to the Bhoys in January and confirmation of his arrival at Parkhead was hardly a surprise, even if supporters are delighted that he is back in the building.

However, Hayato Inamura's arrival at Celtic from Albirex Niigata has also created headlines, with some fans expressing concern at his lack of experience in a top-flight environment before moving to Glasgow.

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers celebrates with the trophy after winning the League Cup

Brendan Rodgers has since confirmed that he is part of a dual strategy to improve the first-team environment and to also invest in long-term assets who can come good in time: "No, he won’t be (part of the first-team). He’s, again, a part of the investment of the club.

"To bring a player in, we’ll assess and see where he’s at as a young player. And then it’s whether he stays with the squad or whether he has to go out on loan".

With that in mind, Justin de Haas has been identified as a defensive reinforcement for Celtic that could form part of the senior picture after some solid displays for F.C. Famalicão in the Primeira Liga.

The Dutchman coming in could throw the cat among the pigeons regarding Auston Trusty and Liam Scales' future at the heart of Rodgers' backline. Either way, it is a sign the Irishman wants fresh faces to fuel another Scottish Premiership title challenge.

Now, another name has entered the mix as the Bhoys get to work on bolstering the ranks ahead of another exciting campaign for all involved.

Celtic enter race to sign Etienne Youte Kinkoue

According to L'Equipe, Celtic are keen to sign Le Havre defender Etienne Youte Kinkoue this summer alongside Besiktas and Anderlecht, while Burnley have also been mentioned as another suitor in the hunt for the 23-year-old.

Formerly of Inter and Olympiacos, the ex-France Under-21 international could be allowed to leave his homeland for a fee in the region of £4.3 million, though his current employers are yet to receive any formal approaches for his services.

Etienne Kinkoue in Ligue 1 - 2024/25 (Fotmob)
Total duels won	53
Aerial duels won	26
Interceptions	29
Recoveries	65
Pass accuracy	89.2%

Sheffield United and FC Köln are among Kinkoue's other admirers, signalling that he is a highly sought-after option on the market this summer due to his affordable price-tag and robust attributes.

Last campaign, he made 28 appearances across all competitions as Le Havre managed to cling on to their top-flight status, though the fact he is out of contract in 2026 has contributed to his availability at a cut-price fee.

Celtic have allowed Maik Nawrocki and Gustaf Lagerbielke to leave the club, while Stephen Welsh is on the periphery, so it makes sense that Kinkoue is now on their radar amid the need for another right-footed central defender within Rodgers' squad.

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