With the summer transfer still very much open, Celtic is looking to add more defensive cover to their backline ahead of the coming season.

According to reports from France, the Hoops have now identified Lorient center-back Moritz Jenz, and there are indications he might sign for the Scottish champions this summer.

Celtic has been a long admirer of the 23-year-old during his stint at Switzerland-based Club Lausanne-Sport before he eventually joined Lorient last summer.

For Celtic to have been showing interest consistently since the previous months, seven before the appointment of Ange Postecoglou shows the level of belief the club has in bringing the defender.

The feeling around the club is there is a need for the club to get more personnel at the heart of the defense and provide enough competition for Carl Starfelt and Cameron Carter-Vickers. Celtic can’t keep relying on the defensive pairing of the duo as they will need rotations due to the more competition, especially in the UEFA Champions League. Therefore if the Hoops can get their man, he will be the perfect fit and slot in right away under the tutelage of the manager Postecoglou.

Jenz was a youth product of Fulham academy alongside Matt O’Riley before he moved down to Lausanne Sports with 30 appearances.

The center-back now with Lorient recently signed a 5-year deal and has made 17 league appearances for the Ligue 1 club. However, if the right price is being met, there’s no doubt about a transfer on the cards.

Reports also indicate that Celtic aren’t done in the transfer market yet as they look set to complete the signing of Australian international Aaron Mooy to further bolster the options in the middle of the Park.

The preseason games continue for Celtic as the new SPFL season beckons in the coming weeks.

Written by: Akinnifesi Olumide