Dutch defender Xavier Mbuyamba remains a person of interest for Celtic, according to fresh reports.

The Volendam centre-back - having helped his side avoid relegation from the Eredivisie - is high up on Celtic's list of potential targets for defensive reinforcements this summer.

The 21-year-old was an ever-present in the centre of defence last season, making 32 appearances in all competitions. A goal-threat for his side, he contributed five goals - all in the league - as his team finished 14th in the Eredivisie - their first appearance in the top-flight since 2009.

Mbuyamba started his career at MVV Maastricht, before joining Barcelona's world-renowned La Masia academy. After one season, he was transferred permanently to Chelsea, where he spent two years at the London club. After failing to make a first-team appearance for Chelsea, he made the switch to Volendam in his homeland, where he has been a consistent starter.

Meanwhile, Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers has dismissed reports of the club being linked with Egyptian midfielder Mohamed Reda and Brazilian winger Ferreira of Future FC and Gremio, respectively.

Speaking after his side's 6-4 defeat in Japan against Yokohama F Marinos to the Daily Record, the manager rubbished rumours about Celtic's interest in the pair. He said: "I don’t even know them to be honest."

READ MORE: Why Celtic should look at Kwon Hyeok-kyu's bold comments positively

In terms of outgoings, Israel international Liel Abada has been linked with a move away from the club, with Turkish Super Lig side Fenerbahce the latest to reportedly be interested in the winger.

Abada - who has three years left on his deal - assisted Daizen Maeda twice against Yokohama F Marinos yesterday, and Celtic would demand a fee of over £10million before parting ways with the player, according to the report.

The 21-year-old has been a key player for Celtic since his move to the club from Maccabi Petah Tikva in the summer of 2021. He has made over 100 appearances for the club, scoring 28 goals and assisting a further 20 times.

A regular starter in the 2021/22 season, he found game-time harder to come by in his second season, thanks to the emergence of Maeda on the left-hand side of Ange Postecoglou's forward line.

Join Ryan McGinlay and Aidan Macdonald as they discuss all this and more in the video below.