Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers has revealed that the Hoops are working on a deal to sign Lyanco from Southampton.

The 26-year-old has been heavily linked with a move to the Scottish champions over the past week and, when asked about the speculation at the weekend, Rodgers replied:

“We are obviously working and hopefully over the next few days we can update on that. But nothing to confirm at the minute.”

Lyanco joined Southampton from Torino for £6.4m in the summer of 2021 but he has never been a regular starter at St Mary’s.

This season, he has not made a single league appearance, with his only minutes coming in the first round of the Carabao Cup against Gillingham earlier this month.

Lyanco was absent from Southampton’s squad on Saturday

The former Brazilian Under 23 international had been an unused substitute in the Saints’ first three Championship matches.

However, Lyanco was not selected in the matchday squad by manager Russell Martin for the 2-1 win over QPR at the weekend, suggesting a transfer away from the club could be imminent.

Celtic need to solve their defensive crisis before the transfer deadline

Rodgers started Liam Scales alongside Gustaf Lagebielke in the 0-0 draw against St Johnstone. The pair are the last two fit centre-halves in the senior squad.

Cameron Carter-Vickers and Maik Nawrocki are set to be out for up to eight weeks due to injuries, while Yuki Kobayashi and Stephen Welsh are also on the treatment table.

Welsh, in fact, could be sidelined for an extended period after undergoing an operation, so bringing in Lyanco ahead of the transfer window closing on Friday is vital.

After the disappointing performance versus St Johnstone, Rodgers may be seeking additional reinforcements in other areas of the pitch as well. It could be a very busy week for the Hoops.