Celtic Close to Signing Liam Scales From Shamrock; Move Imminent and Likely to be Announced Soon

The Hoops have already signed defenders Osaze Urhoghide and Carl Starfelt, but their summer recruitment is far from over. They are planning for more summer reinforcements in the defensive department. According to the latest reports, Shamrock Rovers centre-back Liam Scales is close to joining Celtic.

Liam Scales is a strong presence in the Rovers backline. The 23-year-old defender made 24 appearances for the Irish club last season in all competitions, scoring 2 goals and assisting 3 while being on defensive duty at the Tallaght Stadium. The player holds a market value of £900,00 according to the Transfermarkt.

Shamrock Rovers, Celtic, Liam Scales
Image Obtained via The Irish Sun

He usually prefers the centre-back role in a three-man defence, but can also adapt to the wing-back role. While playing on the flanks, his attacking prowess is a big threat to the opposition. His versatility can easily attract a six-figure transfer fee, even though he has only one-and-a-half years left in his current contract with the Rovers.

According to the Scottish Sun, Liam Scales is set to join Celtic this summer. The Shamrock Rovers defender has been a target for Postecoglou since the beginning of the transfer window and his move looks imminent before the window closes at the end of this month.

Although the Celts have bounced back with much better performances after their opening day defeat at the hands of Hearts, Postecoglou is aware that Celtic are still struggling at the back and the boss understands the need to solidify his defence if he wishes to challenge for the Scottish Premiership.

Their Scottish Premiership opening fixture against Hearts ended up in a 2-1 loss. Nevertheless, the Hoops have recovered quite well with a 6-0 win against Dundee United in the league, qualified for the Europa League play-offs with a 7-2 aggregate against Czech side FK Jablonec and moved on to the Scottish League Cup quarter-finals by beating Hearts 3-2.

Postecoglou wants to add another defender this summer and has identified Liam Scales as the missing piece to cover the defensive lapses. The Celtic boss can place the Irish centre-back in his traditional four-man defensive line and the defender can effortlessly adapt to the formation at Parkhead. Signing Scales can settle the problems in the defensive department for Postecoglou.

Moreover, Shamrock Rovers boss Stephen Bradley has acknowledged Scales’ move to Celtic is imminent, but certainly after their Europa Conference League showdown with Flora Tallinn. He said:

“I’m not sure where Liam’s end is at but our stuff is tied up.”

“I’d imagine with the window closing at the end of the month, it’s getting there.”

“If not after Tallinn, it will definitely be soon. We did things at our end. Liam has a decision to make and I’m pretty sure where his mind is.

“Liam will definitely travel and be with us on Thursday. We’re nearly getting there but he’ll definitely be there Thursday.

Meanwhile, Celtic signing Joe Hart and James McCarthy will certainly have a big impact this season. The English shot-stopper will offer a solid presence in between the sticks for the Hoops while McCarthy’s Premier League experience will bring solidarity to midfield.

Also, Celtic are set to lose striker Odsonne Eduoard in the summer window. Premier League side Brighton are interested in signing the player and the latest reports also suggest Wolves and Crystal Palace being interested in the player’s services. The 23-year-old striker only has one more year in his current contract at Parkhead and Celtic are actively looking for a replacement.

Follow Scottish Daily for the latest Celtic transfer updates.

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