Left-back has suddenly emerged as a position of need for Celtic. Most had expected the club to find an agreement to sign Marcelo Saracchi even if it took some time.

Boca Juniors want to part ways with him. Saracchi was clearly keen on a return to Parkhead as well after a positive loan spell.

Saracchi might not have been the starter but he did well whenever given the chance. So, from the outside looking in, it felt like a no-brainer.

Yet, for some reason, it looks like Celtic were not particularly keen on signing the Uruguayan international. It was a head-scratcher of a decision. But Saracchi won't be brought back. Instead, they are picking out alternative targets. A 25-year-old Republic of Ireland international seems to be the latest of them.

According to The Courier, Dundee United full-back Will Ferry is on Celtic’s radar. Parkhead scout Tosh McKinlay has watched the Irish international on several occasions.

No official approach has yet been made by Celtic but Dundee United remain braced for bids.

It is believed that Dundee United accepted a transfer bid in the region of £1.7 million for the player not too long ago, even though the move did not happen in the end.

So, that should be the kind of offer Celtic should make from the get-go, if they are convinced that Ferry is the right man for the job, rather than dragging on another transfer saga without need.

It is also worth noting that Ferry put in a brilliant performance against Celtic back in March, even finding the back of the net, as Dundee United won 2-0 against Martin O'Neill's side. That display might have caught the eye of the Hoops.

Ferry is 25 years of age and a full Ireland international. He also knows the Scottish game like the back of his hand, having made 85 appearances for Dundee United since joining in 2024.

He has scored four goals and provided 14 assists in those 85 games. That is a very good output for a full-back or wing-back.

The underlying numbers are even more impressive. No positional peer in the Scottish Premiership has more expected assists, chances created and successful crosses than Ferry. So, he is going to more than hold his own going forward.

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But defensively, he looks excellent as well. He is in the 90th percentile or higher in defensive contributions, interceptions, blocks, recoveries and clearances.

So, a move for Ferry might not grab the headlines. But he does seem to have the potential to be a very good addition to this Celtic team.

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