Celtic are on the verge of sealing a £4m deal to land German playmaker Mika Baur, while the Hoops are determined to fend off interest in Alistair Johnston.
Mika Baur deal close
Record Sport understands Celts are close to thrashing out terms with Bundesliga outfit Paderborn for midfielder Baur, having already agreed personal terms on a four-year contract. The Hoops hope to have the Germany Under-21 ace on board by the weekend.
Paderborn boss Ralf Kettemann has been braced for interest in the youngster, who was named his side’s player of the year last term on their way to the top flight. He said: “It’s nothing surprising. We won promotion to the Bundesliga with the youngest German squad. It’s only natural that other clubs take notice of these lads. Things have actually been quiet so far. Ultimately, it’s nothing out of the ordinary—and that’s how we’re treating it. We have to determine what is best for the club. Ultimately, it is all still hypothetical. The ball is in our court – we get to make the decision. So, we are relaxed about the situation.”
Alistair Johnston interest
Parkhead chiefs are also braced for big money bids for Johnston, with the full back on the wish list of several English sides following a barnstorming World Cup with Canada. Everton boss David Moyes is understood to be keen, with the Toffees seeing Seamus Coleman depart and Nathan Patterson on the verge of an exit. Fulham have held long term interest as well but Celtic are in no hurry to cash in on the 27-year-old. Johnston is also settled in Scotland having penned a new deal up to 2029 and it would take a hefty offer to persuade the Hoops to do business.
Daizen Maeda and Callum McGregor
Frontman Daizen Maeda is already on the way out and he is expected to undergo a medical at Ipswich Town in the next 24 hours before completing a deal Record Sport revealed is with £8m up front with a further £2m in add-ons if the Tractor Boys can avoid dropping back down to the Championship this coming season.
Celts are also facing sweat over skipper Callum McGregor with the Saudi Super League transfer window opening yesterday and serious interest from former Hoops boss Ange Postecoglou’s Al Nassr. The Middle East powerhouses are in the market for several new signings and are currently assessing their foreign contingent, with clubs in Saudi restricted over the number of international imports in their squads. Celtic are hoping the captain remains but still need midfield reinforcements with Arne Engels and Reo Hatate expected to move on during this window.
Celtic are also still chasing Egypt winger Haissem Hassan and other targets, such as Bodo/Glimt’s Kasper Hogh.
