Celtic are expected to allow a number of fringe players to depart as part of a major squad overhaul under Martin O'Neill

Celtic are expected to be one of the busiest teams in the Scottish Premiership this January as they look to rejuvenate their squad with incomings and outgoings after a turbulent first half of the season.

The Hoops entered the campaign as hot favourites to win a fifth successive title after finishing 17 points ahead of runners-up Rangers last season. However, they underwhelmed fans in the summer window and were heavily criticised by supporters for allowing the likes of Adam Idah and Nicolas Kuhn to depart without bringing in players that were viewed as adequate replacements.

The title favourites started slowly and were left scrambling when Brendan Rodgers stood down from his position as manager following a 3–1 loss to Hearts which left the Hoops trailing the league leaders by eight points. Martin O’Neill won seven of his eight games as interim boss to roll back the years while the club searched for a permanent boss, but when they found their desired target in Wilfried Nancy results deteriorated at an alarming rate as the club lost six out of eight matches under the Frenchman.

O’Neill remarkably finds himself back in the dugout for the second time this season and is overseeing his first transfer window as Hoops boss in more than 20 years after leaving for the first time in 2005.

Colby Donovan could depart in January as part of Celtic overhaul

Experienced manager O’Neill has made it clear that the team need reinforcements in January if they are to remain competitive in this year’s title race with Hearts and Rangers very much in the ascendency at this moment in time.

Hayato Inamura has already back to Japan to join Tokyo FC on loan. While Man City cut short Jahmai Simpson-Pusey’s loan after the defender failed to cement his place as a first team regular. Both of these decisions have filled up squad spaces which are expected to be filled by marquee signings.

However, O’Neill’s January overhaul is still very much in it’s early stages and another of other players could depart either on loan or in some cases on a permanent basis.

One of those players could be youngster Colby Donovan. The academy graduate has played 17 times across all competitions this term and has registered three assists. The 19-year-old has been an able deputy for the injured Alistair Johnston and Tony Ralston, but it remains to be seen whether he is in O’Neill’s plans going forward.

Dundee weigh up potential move for Donovan

Reports from the Daily Record suggest that Donovan’s future is uncertain. The outlet adds that a loan move to Premiership rivals Dundee could be on the cards for the second half of the campaign should O’Neill decide he’s not ready for regular minutes.

Steven Pressley’s side are thought to be long-term admirers of the Scotland Under-19 international. They reportedly had a deal lined up to take Donovan on loan in the summer before Alistair Johnston’s injury scuppered that plan. They haven’t fully given up hope of landing the full-back if a deal is there to be done, according to reports.

Dundee are currently ninth in the table after an impressive three-match winning streak. They are aiming to consolidate themselves as a top-flight outfit after beating the drop in both of the two previous seasons following promotion in 2023.