Celtic are plotting a summer transfer move for Nantes wing-back Quentin Merlin, according to reports.

Brendan Rodgers already has the likes of Greg Taylor and Alexandro Bernabei as left-back options, but it seems the Hoops are exploring more defensive cover.

Reports in France state that Celtic are "looking at the situation" of the Merlin, who can also play as a winger.

The 21-year-old is rated highly by the French outfit and has already 64 times for his club, despite his young age.

The report goes on to state that Celtic would have to splash between £6.8million and £10.3million to capture Merlin.

Meanwhile, Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers is delighted to see Matt O’Riley hit the goal trail early on this season after telling the midfielder to find the net more often.

O’Riley netted late in Celtic’s 3-1 win at Aberdeen on Sunday to make it two goals in his opening two cinch Premiership matches.

Rodgers had noted that O’Riley’s tally of four goals in 52 appearances last season was not befitting of his talent.

The Celtic boss said: “I like him a lot. I think he is a really intelligent footballer.

“He is a top professional. He prepares his body well and he prepares his life well. He wants to do well. He sets his standards high every day to be better.

“When I looked at his numbers and everything else I think I said to him you need to score more goals as he didn’t do it enough.

“He was a bit like Jamesie Forrest when I first came into the club. He didn’t score enough for the talent they had and I was looking at Matt from last season and his first goal was in February. You can’t have that talent and be waiting that long.

“It is all about arriving in the areas and finding composure to finish.

“I really like him, his build-up play is good, he takes the ball, and he needs to work on his pressing and intensity but he is a wonderful footballer and he is a good guy as well.”