Forget Armstrong – 2 quality players who could perfectly fit into Rodgers’ Celtic plans including 29-year-old free agent

Rangers have been in the news since the appointment of iconic Liverpool and England midfielder Steven Gerrard as their new boss and the Gers supporters are dreaming a new dawn, ending Celtic’s sheer dominance in Scottish football.

While Rangers have already concluded seven signings so far to strengthen their squad and mount a serious title challenge next season, Celtic, on the other hand, are having a quiet transfer window.

Brendan Rodgers’ team have made the loan moves of Scott Bain and Odsonne Edouard permanent, with the latter costing a club-record fee of around £8m. But there is a high-profile departure lined up at Parkhead after the Hoops and Southampton agreed terms for Scotland midfielder Stuart Armstrong. It is believed that the Saints are ready to pay an initial fee of £7m for Armstrong.

The 26-year-old, who signed a two-year deal with Celtic last summer, is reportedly keen on joining the Premier League outfit.

Armstrong netted 17 goals in all competitions in the 2016/17 campaign but was less effective last season as he managed just five goals in 41 appearances in all competitions. Although he is capable of playing both as a central midfielder and as an attacking midfielder, the Bhoys have plenty of options in those positions. The likes of Scott Brown, Olivier Ntcham, Tom Rogic and Callum McGregor have all performed well for the Hoops whenever called upon.

Celtic, nevertheless, are likely to strengthen themselves further in the summer and sign a replacement for Armstrong. And here are two players, who could perfectly fit into Rodgers’ Celtic plans.

Ki Sung-yueng

The 29-year-old midfield star, who is currently leading South Korea in the World Cup in Russia, left Swansea City after they were relegated from the Premier League last season.

Moreover, he enjoyed a successful stint at Celtic Park before joining the Swans in 2012. However, Ki will be a man in demand this summer as the likes of Everton and AC Milan have already expressed their interest in him.

But Celtic could lure him to Paradise for the second time with Champions League football and the opportunity to regularly compete for domestic honours.

John McGinn

The Hibernian midfielder has been linked with a move to Celtic and he could bring massive experience with him to Paradise.

McGinn scored six goals and provided eight assists in 43 appearances in all competitions last season as Hibernian finished in fourth place in the Scottish Premiership, thereby earning a place in the Europa League first qualifying round. He prefers to orchestrate moves from the middle of the park and is also capable of playing down the left flank.

At 23, the Scotland international has excelled massively in the domestic circuit and Celtic are not wrong in chasing the midfield prodigy.