With Celtic yet to sign any players this month, the January transfer window is nearing the midway point, with the Hoops expected to be busy over the next two weeks with both incomings and outgoings.

One area, surprisingly, where Celtic have been linked to strengthen this month is midfield.

Despite strong depth, Brendan Rodgers has seemingly identified a new ball-winning midfielder to add a different dimension to Celtic in backs-to-the-wall games, such as those in the Champions League.

Mahamadou Diawara has been consistently linked with a move to Celtic.

However, French outlet Foot Mercato reports that the Hoops are set to face strong competition from Reims and Servette for Diawara.

Interestingly, neither club appears to have looked to include an option to buy in any potential loan deal.

Celtic reportedly offered Lyon a loan deal for Diawara in the summer, proposing an initial one-year loan with an €8 million buy option.

However, the Ligue 1 side rejected the deal.

Having played just two league games for Lyon this season, with a total of 14 minutes on the pitch, the French midfielder has found game time limited.

After featuring in 11 league games last season, he is yet to decide on his future.

With Servette and Reims circling, Celtic may need to act quickly to seal any loan deal this month.

How much Diawara would play for Celtic towards the end of the season remains to be seen, with captain Callum McGregor starting the majority of games in the holding role.

Paulo Bernardo has deputised well in McGregor’s absence in a number of games this season, with the Portuguese midfielder already well adapted to life at the Hoops.

This makes a move for Diawara not a priority at this moment, with other positions, like left-back and winger, likely to be addressed before the window closes.