Sources: Celtic ready Southampton move after identifying 'ideal solution'
Celtic are lining up a move to sign Southampton right-back Yukinari Sugawara, sources have told Football Insider.
The Bhoys are working to provide cover for Alistair Johnston, after Martin O'Neill confirmed that the Canada international will be sidelined until at least October with a hamstring injury.
The Glasgow giants view a new loan signing as the "ideal solution" to their right-back issues, while Sugawara is firmly down the pecking order at St Mary's.
Sources say that Sugawara is available to leave Southampton in the final stages of the summer window, but currently has interest from several different clubs.
Celtic admire the 26-year-old for his vast experience, having previously tasted all three major European competitions during his time with AZ Alkmaar.
The defender spent last season away from Southampton during a loan spell with Werder Bremen, and is yet to feature in a matchday squad for his parent club so far this term.
Celtic door opens to sign Yukinari Sugawara
Johnston's latest injury setback is a blow to Celtic, and O'Neill recently admitted that he still feels that his group is light in the defensive areas.
They are working to address that ahead of their 3 September transfer deadline, and Sugawara has emerged as a very realistic option for them.
Southampton are prepared to let him leave the club this week, and he boasts the kind of pedigree that Celic would be keen to add to their squad.
Colby Donovan impressed in the first leg of their Champions League play-off clash against LASK, but O'Neill wants more cover if his team qualify for the league phase.
Sugawara is a clear target to step into that position, but the Bhoys would rather take him on loan than pursue a permanent deal.
The hope is that when Johnston returns to full fitness, he can make the position his own once again.
Celtic can sign Gvidas Gineitis for below asking price
Football Insider revealed last weekend that Celtic may be able to exploit Torino's financial difficultes to sign Gvidas Gineitis in a cut-price deadline before the deadline.
The Italian side need to offload players in order to balance the books, and that could see them accept a reduced price from their initial £8.5million valuation of Gineitis.
Celtic have already seen one approach for the Lithuanian knocked back, but are preparing to move back in for him now that their Champions League qualification is looking likely.
A place in the league phase would boost their coffers significantly, and would leave them with little issues in terms of making a strong offer for the midfielder.