Celtic are back in the hunt for a central defender as the clock ticks on the final hours of the transfer window.

Brendan Rodgers had stated a few weeks back that it was unlikely a central defender would be brought in during the window but with Filip Benkovic now looking at an extended spell out of the team – at least – then it’s believed that the Parkhead side have reprioritised cover at the heart of defence.

Dedryck Boyata is currently out with what Rodgers has described as an abductor strain but with a significant question mark hanging over the future of the Belgian internationalist, the news that Benkovic is also set for a prolonged absence has sent the Parkhead side back on the hunt for a centre half.

Croatian defender Benkovic, on loan from Leicester, picked up the leg injury during Saturday’s win over Hamilton, with the extent of the problem only realised after the game.

Celtic are awaiting confirmation of scans to determine just how long the 21-year-old could be facing out but it is understood that even if he is available to play before the end of the season, the best case scenario currently looks like he is facing an extended length out.

That has prompted Celtic to reconsider bringing in further cover but they now face a race against the clock as the window shuts tomorrow night.

The Parkhead side are also looking to seal a loan move for Jeremy Toljan. The 24-year-old Borussia Dortmund right-back has been told by the Bundesliga side that he can leave in the window either permanently or on loan.

Napoli and Juventus have also watched the player although with Juve signing Martin Caceres yesterday then it seems unlikely that they are still in the hunt for Toljan.

The player has not featured for the senior team this term after falling out of favour since Lucien Favre took over at Dortmund.

Meanwhile, Lewis Morgan last night was closing in on a loan move to Sunderland.