Sources: Celtic set sights on defender signing after Chelsea agreement
The Hoops agreed a deal to take the 18-year-old on loan for the season as they desperately needed cover in his position, but there are doubts about the long-term future.
Whether or not they could do a permanent deal for Mheuka remains to be seen, but ahead of next summer's transfer window, work is ongoing to identify alternatives.
As I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider's Transfer Insider podcast, Martin O'Neill is pushing Celtic to find a long-term back-up option to play behind Kieran Tierney.
Tierney remains the first-choice left-back at Parkhead, and Mheuka's presence means the need is not urgent, but it will need to be addressed come the end of the sesaon.
As a result, work is already ongoing behind the scenes to identify new targets, with O'Neill playing a key role in the club's transfer plans despite uncertainty over his future.
Why do Celtic want to sign a left-back?
Football Insider revealed in August that Celtic were working on a deal to sign a backup left-back before the window closed, and an agreement was eventually reached with Chelsea.
Whether Mheuka is seen as a long-term option for Celtic beyond the end of his loan deal has been questioned, with the teenager having played just 40 minutes of football this season.
As a result, plans are being put in place to address the position in next summer's transfer window, with O'Neill viewing the position among his priorities.
Speaking on the Transfer Insider podcast, I explained: "The signing of a new left-back is probably long-term something they need to do, strengthening in that area.
"Obviously they brought in Mheuka from Chelsea, so it's probably not a top priority in the January window because he did come in as cover in that position.
"But again, it's something they might look at in the summer, because if he goes back to Chelsea after their loan agreement then they will be left short of options again.
"O'Neill wants to sign a long-term backup for Kieran Tierney to give them a bit of stability in that position, so that is something Celtic will be working on for next year."
Which left-backs are on Celtic's radar?
Amid Celtic's search for a new left-back, a number of players have already been identified and could be pursued after the turn of the year if they choose to accelerate their plans.
Football Insider revealed on 13 September that Celtic have set their sights on a move for Liverpool defender Luke Chambers, who could be available in the mid-season window.
The 22-year-old has stayed at Anfield past the summer deadline after playing a role in Andoni Iraola's pre-season plans, but is not viewed as a key part of the squad.
He spent the second half of last season on loan at Charlton, where he made 18 league appearances as they survived relegation from the second tier, placing clubs on alert.
Celtic are believed to be among his admirers, with clubs in England also keen, and they could be tempted to make a move if he becomes available on a permanent deal.