Brendan Rodgers has insisted that Celtic must strengthen before the closure of next week’s transfer window – and has insisted that Moussa Dembele is going nowhere.

There has been some frustration at the lack of bringing players in during the window with Lewis Morgan Marvin Compper the only new additions so far.

Rodgers, however, still expects to have added to the squad before next week’s deadline.

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“For me, we have to,” he said. “We have to. There’s no question that’s something we need to do. I’m very happy with the group of players that I have.

“We’ll also have some returning from injury who will make us stronger again.

“But we wanted to bring in players in this window who would add quality. Sometimes that takes a wee bit of time.

“You’re not just relying on going and paying the money.

“You need to rely on the timing from the other team so we’re hopeful we can bring in that quality.

“I could have signed 20 players up until now, or more. I could have changed my whole squad if I wanted to.

“But I needed to make sure it was the right quality, not just domestically but for any European football we might have further down the line.”

Intriguingly, Dembele looks as though he will still be a Celtic player too this time next week.

The Hoops had appeared resigned to losing the French under-21 internationalist this month, however after revealing that the club have knocked back one formal offer for the striker, Rodgers has maintained that Dembele will still be at the club when the window closes.

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Dembele has attracted interest from Crystal Palace and Brighton - who are believed to have had a bid knocked back for the striker - while there were also reports that Seria A side Roma were keen on the 21-year-old.

Rodgers, though, believes that Celtic will add to their squad while retaining the services of Dembele.

“The situation with Moussa is absolutely fine,” said Rodgers. “The boy has two and a half years left on his deal here but there’s a lot of speculation.

“We don’t want to sell him. Simple as that. We’ve had one bid that’s come in and it’s way under his value to us.

“But the message is - we don’t want to sell.

“His behaviour has been great. Yes, there was a slight focus that moved away, which I can understand and I think everyone can understand why that is.

“I have said since my first day in here that I always pick a team on attitude and energy.

“That never changes. Whether someone is playing or not, that’s what we look for and it’s nothing personal. It’s what the team needs.”

Rodgers has maintained that Dembele has never fallen short of the level of professionalism.

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“Moussa has been training well,” he said. “This is a really unstable for lot of players and you’ll have seen and heard about players in this situation downing tools or going AWOL.

“This kid has never done that. He’s never once asked to leave.

“I know what his plan from when I sat with him and his agent.

“There in terms of the uncertainty this is where the boy is. There was an option there but the club didn’t want to take it because it was nowhere near the value.

“We don’t want to sell him. All of this dies down and the group becomes stronger again.

“There had been enquiries to the club and to me but I spoke to Peter and there was a bid that came in.

“But nothing’s changed.

“I don’t think there’s an issue with him. He’s not stomping his feet to leave.

“Moussa knows where he is at and if he’ still here for the second part of the season then he’ll contribute and do well for us.”