Brendan Rodgers aiming to take Kolo Toure to Celtic

Former Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers is hoping to bring Kolo Toure to new club Celtic, according to reports on Sunday.

The Ulsterman took charge at Parkhead in May, having had a break from management following his sacking by the Reds last October.

Rodgers has been linked with a number of former players already, including Joe Allen and Andre Wisdom, and it now appears that Toure is very much on his radar.

The Scottish Daily Mail report that Rodgers sees the 35-year-old as someone who can significantly bolster Celtic’s back-line, as they prepare for another Scottish Premier League title charge and Champions League football in 2016/17.

With Jozo Simunovic and Dedryck Boyata both out of Celtic’s Champions League qualifiers next month, Rodgers is well aware that additions are needed at centre-back as soon as possible.

Toure was released by Liverpool at the end of the season, following three years at Anfield, and it may be that a new challenge in a new country would appeal.

BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND - Sunday, February 14, 2016: Liverpool's Kolo Toure celebrates scoring the sixth goal against Aston Villa during the Premier League match at Villa Park. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

The Ivorian would bring an undoubted winning mentality to the Scottish giants, with multiple honours won throughout an illustrious career.

It is believed that Liverpool considered the idea of offering the former Arsenal and Man City man a coaching role at the club, but he is not ready to retire as a player just yet.

Toure made 71 appearances for the Reds in total, and proved to be an enormously popular figure among both teammates and supporters.

The veteran always gave his all on the pitch, and despite age creeping up on him last season, he produced some exceptional performances in the absence of Mamadou Sakho.

His only Liverpool goal came in the 6-0 win over Aston Villa in February – a memorable moment for anyone associated with the Reds.

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