Exclusive - Celtic are increasingly keen to sign a replacement for Scott Brown this summer, fearing their 35-year-old captain will be unable to see out the season. Crystal Palace's James McCarthy is the player they want, but they will have to sell to raise funds for the 29-year-old.
Brown's form in the Hoops' questionable start to the season has been a major point of concern at Celtic Park. He has started every competitive match so far, but his declining mobility was laid bare in the shock 2-1 defeat to Ferencvaros that saw them exit the Champions League prematurely.
Celtic are facing an historic season as they look to retain their Premiership title for a tenth successive season, but they are already under pressure on that front after Rangers' impressive start.