Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers is planning to drastically reduce the size of his first-team squad when the transfer window reopens, according to The Scotsman.
The Hoops boss admitted last week that he has too many players, hinting that a number of fringe stars could leave in January.
There are currently 32 first-team squad members at Lennoxtown, with another 5 out on loan.
While having such a sizeable group to choose a starting eleven from could be considered a luxury, it makes it difficult for Rodgers to manage morale, with many having to be left out of the matchday squad altogether.
That happened last weekend when £3m summer signing Gustaf Lagerbielke was not involved against Hearts.
There are 8 Celtic stars set for the chopping block
With players set to leave Celtic Park in the New Year, The Scotsman have named the eight likeliest to be sold, let go or loaned out to other teams.
Yuki Kobayashi has not played a single minute so far this campaign, so the Japanese defender may be sent out on a temporary basis. Nat Phillips, meanwhile, could return to Liverpool once Maik Nawrocki is back fit.
In midfield, David Turnbull’s contract expires at the end of the season so it wouldn’t be a surprise if he is sold in January before he can leave for nothing. Kwon Hyeok-kyu has not played since arriving from Busan IPark for £850,000 so he could also be shipped out.
There is also continued speculation about Matt O’Riley’s future, considering his form this season, although the Hoops would hope to keep hold of him for now, having recently tied him down to a new contract.
Up front, the likes of Marco Tilio (who has struggled to settle since his £1.5m switch from Melbourne City), Mikey Johnston and Jason Kenny could also be set to leave.
