Brendan Rodgers quizzed on Carl Starfelt replacement as Celtic boss reveals transfer timeline for new signing
BRENDAN RODGERS insists Celtic are close to signing a replacement for Carl Starfelt.
The Hoops boss is on the hunt for defensive options after the Swedish centre-back completed his move to La Liga side Celta Vigo this week.
Starfelt, 28, spent two years at Parkhead following his £4million switch from Russian outfit Rubin Kazan in 2021.
The Swede formed a formidable partnership with Cameron Carter-Vickers at the heart of the Celtic defence and his departure is huge blow for the Scottish champions.
Summer signing Maik Nawrocky has hit the ground running and looks to be a ready-made replacement for Starfelt following his impressive displays in pre-season and in the opening two league fixtures against Ross County and Aberdeen.
However, Rodgers is keen to add further cover to his backline and it's suggested the Hoops are closing in on Elfsborg centre-back Gustaf Lagerbielke.
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It's understood Celtic have agreed a deal worth around £3.5million for his signature but fans are still waiting to see him arrive in Scotland.
Rodgers refused to name the 23-year-old in particular but has confirmed they expect a new signing in the coming days.
Quizzed on whether they are close to finding a replacement for Starfelt, Rodgers told Sky Sports: "Very close. I'm pretty sure next week we'll get that done."
The manager reckons his side still have several areas to improve despite maintaining their perfect start to their Scottish Premiership campaign at Pittodrie.
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He continued: "There's lots to work on. I think it's the beauty of the squad, the players are keen to learn and be better.
"There's many areas where we can do better and improve on and it's still very early on in the season. There's a long way to go and we'll get better and better."
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