Even though Celtic are still in contention to win a double, a lot of eyes are already on the summer transfer window as well. Understandably so, as it is a big one for the Hoops. There is a clear need to improve drastically on the current squad.

Even though Celtic remain in contention in the league, the majority of their recent wins have been narrow ones by a one-goal margin. That is a far cry from the team that was dominating Scottish football, even last season.

Since that exit at the hands of Bayern Munich, we have never really seen the best of Celtic. But this season, it has been even more pronounced.

The cycle for this squad seems to be complete. A lot of them might be eyeing the exit door after spending several years at Celtic. A few have lost their form, largely owing to injuries. And then there are some who were never really of the required level.

One of the positions that could be in need of strengthening this summer is centre-back. Cameron Carter-Vickers has picked up another serious injury and has been out for months, having undergone surgery.

After the number of injuries that Carter-Vickers has dealt with over the last few seasons, one has to wonder whether we will ever see him at this best again.

In his absence, Liam Scales and Auston Trusty have established themselves as the first-choice centre-backs for Celtic. 

Benjamin Arthur's loan spell comes to an end this summer though. As a result, Celtic will need to sign another centre-back. And they are now being linked with one.

According to Rudy Galetti, Toulouse and Celtic have shown concrete interest in Zinedin Smajlovic. Bodo/Glimt are also tracking him.

Smajlovic is a Swedish youth international who currently plays in Norway for Sandefjord. He has a contract with them until the end of 2028.

Celtic have had a few Swedish centre-backs in recent times. Carl Starfelt was a stalwart at the back during the Ange Postecoglou era and left for La Liga after two seasons with the Hoops.

While Starfelt had a great run at Celtic, the same cannot be said about Gustaf Lagerbielke, who never really got a real chance under Brendan Rodgers. That being said, he has proven himself after leaving at both club and international level and looks set for a big summer move.

Could the name of Smajlovic be added to that list of Swedish centre-backs? We will find out soon enough.

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