There has been a lot of speculation over Celtic being interested in Arsenal right-back Carl Jenkinson this summer.

Whether the club will make a move for the Gunners defender, it remains to be seen, but there are a number of other names that manager Neil Lennon could go after.

Unlike Jenkinson, there are some that are available on a free transfer, and could arguably be better alternatives. Here are three potential options:

1) Danny Simpson

The 32-year-old has been released by Leicester City after five years at the King Power Stadium. The fullback helped the Foxes win the Premier League title in 2016, and remains a reliable fullback.

Ricardo Pereira became first-choice right-back at the English side last season, meaning Simpson’s game time was severely restricted. The arrival of former Celtic target James Justin from Luton also meant the defender had no chance of playing next season.

The fullback could, therefore, be a good short-term option for the Hoops if they can agree to his wage demands.

2) Todd Kane

The 25-year-old has just been given a free transfer by Chelsea following a decent season on loan in the Championship with Hull City.

Kane was the Tigers’ regular right-back, helping Nigel Atkins’ side to a midtable finish. He is also a player who can be utilised in a number of positions, having played a number of times as a left wingback last campaign.

Having had loan spells in the Netherlands with FC Groningen and NEC Nijmegen, he has experience of playing in different leagues as well.

3) Ignazio Abate

Probably the least likely out of the three, but Celtic could take advantage of the fact that the Italian has been released by AC Milan following a decade in the Serie A side’s first team.

At 32, Abate would only be a temporary solution to add experience to the right-hand side of defence, but his 45 appearances in European competitions, as well as his 292 matches in the Italian top flight would make him a tremendous asset.

Apparently Serie A newcomers Lecce are the favourites to land the fullback, but Celtic would likely be able to offer a bigger contract, in addition to the carrot of European football. The biggest question mark would probably be whether he’d want to leave Italy.

With the Champions League qualifiers looming, and Anthony Ralston the only recognised right-back in the squad, Lennon could do worse than trying to land one of these three on a free transfer.