Celtic are reportedly “very interested” in highly-rated Red Star Belgrade defender Veljko Milosavljevic, with defensive reinforcements expected to be high on the agenda heading into the summer transfer window.

According to Max Sport, the Hoops are one of several clubs keeping close tabs on the 17-year-old, who is already turning heads in Serbia.

Red Star are said to have no intention of selling at this stage, but that stance may soften amid rising interest from across Europe, including clubs in France and England.

The pursuit of Milosavljevic comes at a time when Celtic’s defence remains a work in progress. Ever since Carl Starfelt’s departure at the start of Brendan Rodgers’ second spell, the backline has struggled to fully convince. Liam Scales has been the manager’s go-to partner for Cameron Carter-Vickers, but his form has been patchy, and his role in Cyriel Dessers’ derby goal on Sunday raised fresh doubts, if the doubts had died down before then.

Despite the availability of £11 million worth of centre-back options in Maik Nawrocki and Auston Trusty – both left on the bench at Ibrox – Rodgers continues to favour Scales, even as the Irishman endures up-and-down displays. His slack passing and lack of physical strength in key moments have cost Celtic in high-pressure matches.

Carter-Vickers, meanwhile, is now set to miss a couple of games with a knock, further exposing the thin layer of dependable depth at centre-half.

Celtic’s interest in Milosavljevic signals a possible shift toward long-term investment, with an eye on securing young talent before they move into more expensive markets. However, whether Red Star are willing to do business remains to be seen, particularly with the Serbian club reportedly reluctant to let the teenage prospect go.

One way or another, Celtic’s defence needs to be addressed this summer. Whether Milosavljevic becomes part of that rebuild is a question for the weeks ahead.