Celtic transfer news: Ange Postecoglou eyeing ‘one more’ signing but has no news on Giorgos Giakoumakis exit | Football News

Ange Postecoglou says there is room in Celtic’s squad to sign one more in January, but insists there will be no arrivals or departures.

Celtic have signed Alistair Johnston, Yuki Kobayashi and Tomoki Iwata during this month’s transfer window as they look to maintain their position at the top of the Scottish Premiership.

Postecoglou suggested that there could be more activity, but rejected suggestions that the new arrivals would lead to the need to reduce the size of the squad ahead of the second half of the season.

“There is no great urgency,” Postecoglou said when asked about a potential departure. “By bringing in three players early, we are now in a position where we are not on tenterhooks in January.

“If we happen to lose a player, we are not scrambling around to try to replace them. We have a really strong squad, which I like, and we can make decisions through entry or exit without the need to panic.”

Celtic sit nine points above Rangers in the table, but Postecoglou and Michael Nicholson, Celtic’s chief executive, may not be done adding to their squad.

“Our plan is to complete our business early,” said the manager. “We’re still active – I think there’s still room for each other.

“If nothing comes out of this window, that’s fine. Yes, we have a big squad, but with the schedule, everyone will contribute.”

Postecoglou also has a warning for any squad members who may be angry at the lack of guaranteed playing time following Celtic’s transfer business.

“There are some players who didn’t have a chance this year, but for the most part they all played, they all contributed,” the manager said.

“You can guarantee game time – but you’re not going to play for this club or a big club.

“You can get it at a club that isn’t strong or doesn’t compete for trophies, but that’s not what the biggest players want.

“They want to be the best and want to win every competition. To do this, they know you have to have a strong team and compete for places.

“If any player doesn’t like this, or wants more game time, there is one way to do this is to train hard and present yourself in the best possible way.

“Alternatively, you can look for other opportunities elsewhere.”

‘Giakoumakis exit is not close’

One player expected to leave Parkhead this month is Giorgos Giakoumakis, with Celtic accepting an initial £3m bid from Japanese club Urawa Red Diamonds for the striker.

Giakoumakis is still weighing up options amid interest from MLS side Atlanta United – who have yet to make an offer – but Postecoglou said he did not expect the Greece international to be on his way out any time soon.

Asked if there was any update on the future of Giakoumakis – whose talks over a new Celtic deal broke down a few months ago – Postecoglou said: “No, it’s almost the same. Michael is handling it.

“Nobody’s leaving, nobody’s coming. Obviously there’s going to be speculation, but from my point of view – at this point – there’s nothing.”

‘Revenge is not a motivator against St Mirren’

With the January window in full flow, Postecoglou’s focus should remain on events on the pitch, with Celtic’s next game coming in the Premier League against St Mirren on Wednesday.

St Mirren are the only team to beat Celtic in the domestic competition this season, but Postecoglou revealed that he will be disappointed with the players who use revenge as their main motivation for the game.

The manager said: “I would be very disappointed if he did [his players] more motivation for tomorrow (Wednesday) than in the last game. That was not my hope.

“Your motivation should be there every time you play, to try to be the best and beat whatever opponent is in front of you. If you need revenge as a motivator, go and lose every second game and you will be great.

“It’s not like that here. We are very motivated because we represent this football club.

“We are in a strong position in the league and we want to continue the consistency of performance and results. That’s our motivation every week. We don’t need anything extra for these guys.”

Postecoglou also hinted that changes to his starting line-up may be possible after Saturday’s 2-0 Viaplay Cup semi-final win over Kilmarnock, which was achieved in “testing conditions” at Hampden Park.

“Yes, it’s fair to say the game – and obviously the situation – took quite a bit from the boys,” said Postecoglou. “I haven’t made a final decision, but there will be changes. We need to refresh the team.”