Celtic have wrapped up a double swoop this week after completing deals for Jota and Alexandro Bernabei. What else do the champions need ahead of the new season?
Craig Swan: Celtic need a defensive midfielder to replace Nir Bitton. If Christopher Jullien isn’t fancied, then also a centre back.
Andy Newport: I still think they could do with some extra cover at centre-back, especially if Christopher Jullien departs, while another option in central midfield to take the burden off Callum McGregor would be handy.
Scott Burns: Another central defender will be needed if Julien leaves, along with another midfielder and one more striker. If they can do that then they will be well-placed.
Fraser Wilson: They are looking very strong throughout but perhaps another defensive midfielder in beside Callum McGregor could help add a bit more steel.
Rangers have been frustrated in their pursuit of Antonio Colak, with PAOK insisting on finding a replacement before sanction the striker’s sale. Is the Croat worth the wait?
Craig: If the recruitment team have identified him as the one they want, then yes.
Andy: He looks more like a replacement for Cedric Itten rather than someone who could come in and challenge Alfredo Morelos for the No.9 spot. If a deal can be done in plenty time before the start of the new season then fine, if not Gio van Bronckhorst should look elsewhere.
Scott: The Croat definitely has quality. I watched him put Aberdeen to the sword with Rijeka and he has also done damage to Rangers in the past. He has certainly proved himself in the Champions League qualifiers.
Fraser: There’s only so long you can wait before other targets begin to be missed. It’s still early days but if there’s no movement in the next few weeks it could be time to look elsewhere.
Both Hibs and Hearts made winning starts to their pre-season schedule this week. Do you expect the Jambos to dominate in Edinburgh again this term?
Craig: Dominate might be a bit strong if Hibs improve, but Hearts are still better placed to maintain the upper hand.
Andy: Lee Johnson looks to have made some smart signings, especially in Aidan McGeady who still appears to be as fit as a fiddle at 36, but you’d expect Hearts will still be the team to beat this year. It should be a lot closer than the 16 points which separated the teams last year.
Scott: I would expect Hearts to continue their capital dominance. They have the core of the squad from last season and have started to build again. Hibs are starting again under Lee Johnson and it might take time for his new squad to settle.
Fraser: Having had a close look at Lee Johnson’s Hibs this week it could be a lot closer. He’s added eight new faces, an intensity to their play and real depth to his squad. There’s a feel good factor coming off the Algarve trip but the proof will be in the pudding.
Andy Murray suffered an early exit at Wimbledon this week but will we see him back at SW19?
Craig: Pretty likely he’ll be back. Whether he can ever get past the first week again is up for debate.
Andy: Here’s hoping. He’s been moving a lot better in recent months and it was just rotten luck he ended up facing the giant serving monster John Isner in the second round. If his body holds up it seems our Andy has lost none of his hunger to keep competing - making the latter stages is a different story, though.
Scott: I would be very surprised if this is Andy’s last Wimbledon. I think when it is his last appearance at the tournament he will give people the time to say their farewells.
Fraser: Maybe but I fear we have seen the last of Murray getting anywhere near the second week. He was well beaten by John Isner and I doubt the Yank won’t be troubling the semi finals.
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