Celtic’s pursuit of strengthening the left-back position has hit a snag as reported target Gijs Smal is poised to join Feyenoord.

The 26-year-old FC Twente defender, who was also on the radar of Copenhagen and KAA Gent, is expected to complete his free transfer move pending a successful medical, according to reports from Dutch outlet  1908.NL.

The Hoops had previously shown interest in other left-backs during the January transfer window but were unable to secure a signing, leading to continued reliance on Greg Taylor.

However, after the window had shut, Rodgers insisted that he wouldn’t sanction a signing just for the sake of it, and he was looking to bring in quality rather than just another body.

Taylor has been Celtic’s only left-back for the second half of the season, but he’s still put in a shift. You saw how much he brought to the team when he suffered a calf injury in January, which sidelined him and highlighted the lack of quality depth in that position.