Celtic set sights on defender signing as Landon Emenalo ‘problems’ emerge

Celtic are looking to sign a new left-back in the January transfer window amid concerns over Landon Emenalo's fitness, sources have told Football Insider.

Emenalo joined the Hoops on a season-long loan from Chelsea last week as they completed their search for more depth at left-back.

Their pursuit of his services had gone on for several weeks by that point, with injury woes plunging the switch into doubt.

The 18-year-old is yet to make his debut for the club and is set to remain sidelined for a few more weeks, and it remains to be seen if he is ready for senior football under Martin O'Neill.

As I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider's Transfer Insider podcast, Celtic are set to explore another left-back signing in the new year due to uncertainty around Emenalo's fitness and first-team readiness.

They have been linked with a January move for Liverpool starlet Luke Chambers, with Liam Scales currently deputising for Tierney.

Celtic could replace Landon Emenalo in January

Emenalo is yet to make his competitive debut in senior football, but did register three assists in 20 appearances for Chelsea's under-21s last term.

Tierney himself is currently trying to return to full fitness, and will be tough to displace when they are both back playing regularly.

Speaking on the Transfer Insider podcast, I explained: "Celtic have had problems bringing in left-back cover this summer as well. They brought in Landon Emenalo on a season-long loan from Chelsea, but obviously he is recovering from an injury right now.

"They want to have cover and competition for Kieran Tierney, who is obviously the first-choice left-back. I'm sure they are keeping tabs on signing a new left-back."

Sam Johnstone wants clarity on Celtic role after summer arrival

Celtic also signed Wolves man Johnstone on loan in the final week of the summer window to bolster O'Neill's goalkeeping ranks.

The 33-year-old kept a clean sheet on his Hoops debut against St Johnstone in midweek after sitting on the bench against Aberdeen and St Mirren.

Sources have exclusively revealed to Football Insider that Johnstone wants to be Celtic's number one and will not be happy if he is forced to rotate with Viljami Sinisalo.

O'Neill has a big decision to make between the sticks this weekend as the Hoops face Rangers at the Premier Sports Cup quarter-final stage.