Senderos a possible but Routledge and Hinkel unlikely: Celtic expected to be busy in January

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It is far from certain that five new players will all arrive in January - the signing budget could depend on departures - with deals already ongoing for next summer as well as the forthcoming transfer window.

But Strachan has identified these positions as worthy of attention: a goalkeeper, a first-choice right-back, left-back cover for Lee Naylor, a central defender and a wide right midfielder.

The absence of a striker on that list may raise eyebrows but strengthening in that department could depend on a whole series of imponderables, such as the future of Derek Riordan and Maciej Zurawski at Parkhead and that of Shaun Maloney at Aston Villa.

Filling five places will not come cheaply, of course, with even Bosman signings like Paris St Germain full-back Bernard Mendy certain to have high wage demands.

But there is plenty of scope within Strachan's current squad for wheeling and dealing and there have been strong hints that there may be activity involving a number of players in January.

Even clearing out a forgotten man like Adam Virgo, currently on loan at Colchester United, would free up a wage - even though the marquee signings that the fans demand of Peter Lawwell may have to wait until the end of the season.

Andreas Hinkel, as a full German international, certainly falls into that category but Sevilla have refused to let the right-back join Celtic on loan and the player has hinted he would prefer to move back to the Bundesliga.

A centre-half to partner club captain Stephen McManus would feature on the wish list of many Parkhead fans with John Kennedy sidelined again, Bobo Balde cast into Siberia by the management and Steven Pressley entering the final six months of his contract.

Former Hoops and Arsenal striker Charlie Nicholas has already publicly recommended Arsene Wenger's Swiss international Philippe Senderos, but buying from a Premiership club usually commands a significant fee, not to mention ultra-high wage demands.

Although he is not 23 until early next year, Senderos has plenty of experience and Nicholas is not the only high-profile former Celt who believes his old club should look at a better sidekick for McManus.

"Celtic must look at the transfer window and ask themselves what it would take for them to take the next step," said Setanta summariser Craig Burley. "Taking a gamble on one or two players could pay off for them. In a couple of key areas, Celtic need more quality. They are scrambling for full-backs but I think, when everyone is fit, Gordon's problems are through the middle.

"Stephen McManus needs a proper partner. If he is the man to keep the armband, if he is the No1 centre-half, then it is time to get somebody in beside him."

Wide midfielders have been on the radar for a while from Celtic's Lennoxtown base, apparently, with scouts John Park and Tom O'Neill charged with finding a creative player capable of matching the threat offered by Aiden McGeady.

With the long-term future of Shunsuke Nakamura shrouded in doubt, rumours persist that Celtic want to bring in another Japanese player.

The late moves made by Strachan and his staff in the last window - after 6pm on August 31 - were to persuade Tottenham's right-sided midfielder Wayne Routledge to come north on loan. The Englishman declined, which probably precludes him receiving another invitation.

If the incoming targets are always hard to determine, then everyone will know the names of those who could be heading for the exit.

Zurawski could yet move to the United States, Germany or England, with Poland manager Leo Beenhakker telling him a bench place in Glasgow will endanger his Euro 2008 place.

The Dutch coach said: "The club you play for and the league or continental competition you are exposed to are important factors. But what matters most is that he plays football on a regular basis. The level is not really a problem."

Colchester want Virgo on a permanent basis, while Riordan has his admirers, too.

Evander Sno and Jiri Jarosik, linked with a move to Russia, are not overjoyed at their current status, while Icelandic kid Teddy Bjarnasson has been advised to move on loan.

Add huge earners Balde and Thomas Gravesen, on loan at Everton until the end of the season, and the savings on the wage bill could be enormous.

Six or seven players out and five in would represent a surprisingly high turnover, especially as Strachan has often commented on the revolving door of the past two summers.

But, if that's what it takes in the search for better quality, then he may well be inclined to push ahead. Although, as always, every transfer move - Bosman or otherwise - requires three willing parties rather than just two: a buying club, a selling club and the player himself.