Celtic are poised to complete the signing of Haissem Hassan, but have been told they will need to pay more than £8m to land Torino midfielder Gvidas Gineitis. Hassan is heading to the UK for his medical ahead of a four-year deal worth up to £9m.
Hassan deal close
The Scottish champions have agreed terms with Real Oviedo for the Egypt World Cup star, with an initial fee of under £6m and a further £3m in add-ons, including a significant bonus if Celtic reach the Champions League group stage.
Celtic are targeting several players and hope to add at least one more signing before next week's Europa League first leg against LASK. Personal terms with Paderborn playmaker Mika Buar have been agreed, but the Bundesliga club are determined to keep the 24-year-old.
Gineitis chase
Celtic are also battling to keep Arne Engels until after the play-off clash, with West Ham backing off after failing to meet the £25m asking price. Gineitis is another option, but the Hoops risk being beaten by Danny Rohl, the former Rangers boss who is trying to lure the midfielder to Red Bull Salzburg.
Salzburg had an initial offer rejected, with Torino seeking at least £8m plus add-ons. Celtic are not deterred by the fee but will wait until Engels' future is resolved, as West Ham are considering an improved bid. Engels is keen on a move after being blocked from joining Nottingham Forest in January, but he is not forcing the issue after talks with assistant manager Shaun Maloney, assuring him he remains committed to Celtic.
Defensive concerns
Celtic would prefer to keep Engels until after the LASK matches, with defender Alistair Johnston in a similar position. Johnston was withdrawn at half-time in Sunday's 5-1 win over Kilmarnock after a knock and is being assessed ahead of Saturday's Premier Sports Cup tie against Dundee United.
Johnston remains a target for Everton, who have backed off due to the asking price. Celtic want over £20m for the World Cup defender, while Everton's ceiling is £15m. Everton boss David Moyes has moved on, but could return, as Johnston has admitted interest in the switch.
Celtic do not want to be weakened for the Champions League qualifier, but Hassan will be registered if his medical goes smoothly. The club has until Thursday night to submit their squad for the LASK match, with room for two more new players until the eve of the game.
