SO SAD;I will not play again: Celtics key player has decided to quit due to…

Celtic fans are still waiting for the club’s first outfield signing of the transfer window, with keepers Kasper Schmeichel and Viljami Sinisalo the only new arrivals so far.

It is hoped new faces in the shape of outfield players will arrive prior to their Scottish Premiership curtain-raiser against Kilmarnock on Sunday. The Hoops have until August 30 to get their transfer business done, meaning there could be many twists and turns before the window slams shut. Brendan Rodgers wants a couple of new strikers and a left back is also on the agenda to provide competition for Greg Taylor.

With Rangers revamping their squad, it is vital that Celtic strengthen as they look to retain their dominance over the Light Blues after claiming a domestic Double last season and what could be the last guaranteed Champions League spot for a while. Here’s how a nightmare window could look for Brendan Rodgers’ side…

Charles rejects O’Riley swap

Southampton midfielder Shea Charles is reportedly being considered as a makeweight in any deal that could take Matt O’Riley to St Mary’s. O’Riley has been linked with numerous clubs, with Atalanta and the Saints both having standalone bids rebuffed. Juventus are also interested in the 23-year-old.

As exclusively revealed by Record Sport, Southampton had been preparing a £20million offer for the Danish international. A compromise could be reached in the shape of a cash-plus-player deal, but that would hinge on Charles being willing to head up north just a year after joining Russell Martin’s side from Manchester City.

Charles would be an ideal direct replacement for O’Riley but if a deal can’t be reached, it would not only leave the latter’s future up in the air but also Rodgers with more work to do in identifying another target capable of taking the Denmark international’s place.