COMMENT By Will Butcher

Brendan Rodgers would continue Celtic's dominance of Scottish football if he finally replaced Patrick Roberts with the signing of former Lyon attacker Rachiz Ghezzal.

Ghezzal, 25, is currently available on a free transfer after his contract with Ligue 1 giants Lyon expired at the end of June despite being one of the French outfit's mainstays.

Now, French outlet Le 10 Sport claim Premier League side Watford are interested in signing the fleet-footed attacker, who has developed a reputation of an assist machine in recent seasons.

Celtic have completed three signings this summer in midfielder Oliver Ntcham as well as attackers Jonny Hayes and Kundai Benyu, but more additions are expected at Parkhead.

Football Insider considers just how signing Ghezzal would boost Celtic's chances of maintaining their dominance north of the border as well as going one better in the Champions League.

Here are three reasons why, including how the signing of Ghezzal would finally get a Celtic outcast off the books:

European experience

Algeria international Ghezzal has already proved his worth on the European stage during 21 career appearances with Lyon in the Europa League.

With Celtic looking to qualify for the knockout stages of the Champions League, the Hoops could end up finishing third and move into Thursday-night competition.

That is where Ghezzal's expertise could kick in, guiding Celtic to further European football after the Christmas period.

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Roberts replacement, Hayes ready?

Patrick Roberts was in emphatic form last season, scoring 11 times and laying on a further 19 assists for the Hoops as they completed a treble north of the border.

His return to parent club Manchester City looks as though a permanent move will not be completed, with Jonny Hayes a viable replacement but now 30 years of age.

Signing Ghezzall will give Rodgers another option in the final third if Hayes, or indeed Scott Sinclair or James Forrest are not playing to the required standard.

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Ciftci must be sold

Making just four appearances last season for the 48-time Scottish champions last season, Turkish stars Ciftci needs to be offloaded as soon as possible.

Likely to be on a hefty wage after joining from Dundee United in the summer of 2015, Ciftci has been a failure with the Scottish giants and is unlikely to be given a chance following the signing of Hayes.

Axing Cifcti from the side will make room for a new winger, and Ghezzal could be a top quality addition for nothing this summer.

In other Celtic transfer news, this midfielder should be the next arrival at Celtic to boost Rodgers' pursuit of Champions League glory.

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