Brendan Rodgers ‘demanding two Celtic signings this month’ after Rangers twist

Aberdeen’s former chief Keith Wyness has claimed Brendan Rodgers will use Rangers’ win over Celtic as a “bargaining chip” to secure new signings this month.

Speaking on the new edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, the 67-year-old – who served as CEO at Aberdeen between 2000 and 2004, had lengthy spells as the chief of Everton and Aston Villa and now runs a football consultancy advising elite clubs – insisted Rodgers will want “one or two” new arrivals at Parkhead before the 3 February deadline.

Celtic lost 3-0 away at Ibrox on 2 January, one day after the January transfer window opened, marking their first defeat in the Scottish Premiership this term.

Speaking about potential arrivals on Friday (10 January), Rodgers said: “I think January is always a really good month in order to add that freshness to your team. It’s just about getting those deals over the line. I’m fairly hopeful that we can do that.”

Defender Stephen Welsh has already departed Celtic in recent days, joining Belgian side KV Mechelen on loan for the remainder of this season.

Rodgers will use Rangers loss to secure new Celtic signings, says Wyness

Wyness told Football Insider‘s Insider Track podcast: “You can imagine the conversation that might have happened when Brendan reported the the board after the Rangers game.

“He may have snapped back that he needs one or two more players.

“There’s never a manager who doesn’t want to add just one or two more, ever. Brendan will be no exception.

“He will use this result as reasoning for a bit of freshening. Perhaps the legs were tired, they didn’t perform with the energy we’ve seen before – they looked a bit jaded.

“I think he will use it as a bargaining chip in this month.

Celtic

“There’s a big second half of the season coming up with European football as well.

“Celtic have got the funds to do it, so they need to get the squad refreshed and continuing to push forward.”

In other news, defender “very keen” to secure Celtic transfer.

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