GERMAN big guns Bayer Leverkusen are lining up a shock bid for Efe Ambrose.
The Bundesliga side are preparing to slap in a bid of up to £1.5million for the Nigerian international - and give Brendan Rodgers a potential Champions League headache.
The Hoops boss is already without injured centre halves Jozo Simunovic and Dedryck Boyata going in to next week’s qualifying clash with either Tallin or Lincoln Red Imps.
Ambrose is not expected to be part of the long-term plans at Parkhead but an early departure would heighten the need to bring in cover.
The 27-year-old has been stuck in Scotland while the Celtic squad have been put through their paces at their Slovenia HQ as he has been unable to sort out his visa with the Nigerian authorities.
Rodgers is hoping to get him out before the games against Ljublana and Maribor this week but Bayern could force a change in plan.
The Parkhead gaffer is targeting a new defender and is hoping to persuade Kolo Toure to come to Scotland after his contract expired at Liverpool.
QPR defender Steven Caulker is a potential loan option while Blackburn’s Shane Duffy has also been linked with a move to the Premiership champions.
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The Hoops face a sweat over Ambrose but were boosted after skipper Scott Brown declared himself fit for the qualifiers.
The captain returned for the final 30 minutes of last night’s 1-0 win against Stum Graz having sat out some of pre-season with a thigh problem.
Brown came through the game unscathed and Rodgers admitted he is thrilled to have the midfielder on board for the crucial qualifiers.
He said: “Scott is such a positive influence on the team and he is a really good guy.
“I’ve only worked with him for a short time but he’s a wonderful fella.
“He has great respect within the group, he carried out the instructions and he’s a mature guy.
“Scott is keen to improve his game and has been working hard, so it was the right time to throw him in.
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“Like the others, Scott is way off being fully fit but it was good to get him in the team.
“He has a real captain’s influence and we shall see if he can start the first European game.”
James Forrest missed out on the Graz win due to illness while Tom Rogic was rested after suffering a knock.
Rodgers expects the pair to be ready for next week and he is optimistic more new recruits are also on the way.
He said: “James has been ill, he has had a virus. So he’s actually been imprisoned in his room for a few days, which is unfortunate.
“Hopefully he will pick up now that the doctor has been to see him.
“Tom, it’s just precautionary. He’s worked very hard but coming back from that groin problem, you don’t take chances.”
Rodgers was impressed with his side and he insisted the centre back issue is not a concern.
He said: “We’re still waiting to hear on whether Efe will be here. Having as many players as possible helps. But the boys who are out here are doing very well.
“We talk about the aggression in our defending and I was pleased with our corners tonight.
“We talked about having that bit of steel when we’re under pressure from a set piece.
“We defended that well, had good organisation. And, all round, our central defenders are coping well.”