The world is totally focused on the World Cup happening in Russia at the moment, but Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers still has all his attention focused on Glasgow. The new domestic season is just a couple of months away and, just like always, he has big plans.
The back-to-back trebles won during the last two seasons are undoubtedly commendable achievements, but the hierarchy at Celtic Park have set their sight on bigger goals. Serious challenges in Europe are required, and new and quality players must be signed if they are to become reality.
According to reports in Spain, Rodgers is set to raid the North of the country, with recently relegated Deportivo de La Coruna the reported victims. He wants their centre-back, Fabian Schar, to join his squad at Parkhead, and he is willing to pay a sizeable transfer fee to get his wish.
While a recent relegation does not speak well for any player, Schar is undoubtedly worth the risk. He is currently preparing to appear on the international stage alongside his Swiss international teammates, and his performances for Deportivo last season were a bright spot in an otherwise gloomy campaign.
Schar missed 13 of Deportivo 38 La Liga games last season due to injury, and it must have crossed the mind of the club’s fans what might have happened if he had been available all through the campaign.
His defensive contribution was glaring for all to see in their average per goal against, which encouragingly rose from 40.2 minutes to 58.5 minutes with the 26-year-old playing for the club.
With Switzerland kicking off their campaign in Russia against Brazil on Sunday, now may not be the right time to force a move through. Yet negotiations look set to continue nonetheless and, should Celtic manage to get the deal done, this could be a major coup for the ambitious Scottish giants.