Celtic have accelerated their transfer activity ahead of the season opener against Dundee at Celtic Park on Monday, with the Scottish champions breaking their transfer record for Kasper Hogh from Bodo/Glimt and seeing Camilo Duran impress after arriving from Qarabag. Manager Martin O'Neill is still looking to strengthen before the window closes.
Engels: West Ham bid falls short
West Ham have made an offer for Arne Engels, but Martin O'Neill insists it is nowhere near Celtic's valuation of the playmaker. The Belgium international has attracted interest across Europe just months after Nottingham Forest saw a £25 million bid rejected by the Scottish champions. The Times report that Celtic want a similar fee this summer.
Baur: personal terms agreed, fee unresolved
Celtic are eyeing Mika Baur as a replacement for Engels, and the 22-year-old is believed to have agreed personal terms over a move to Parkhead, with Paderborn haggling over a fee. Baur was left out of Paderborn's squad for Wednesday's friendly against Southampton, with the club citing illness.
Paderborn boss Ralf Kettemann insists there is no connection with a switch to Glasgow, saying he could return for Saturday's warm-up clash with Osnabrück. He told NW Sport: "Mika was out on Wednesday and he's feeling better. Maybe Mika will play a bit longer in Osnabrück."
Taylor: PAOK exit path clearing
Out-of-favour Greg Taylor looks certain to leave PAOK this summer amid interest from Celtic. Reports in Greece suggest boss Alessio Lisci is open to a departure for the Scotland cap after he missed both Europa League qualifying legs against Dynamo Kyiv. Gazzetta report that the "imminent" arrival of left-back Dimitris Giannoulis will "pave the way" for the 28-year-old to leave.
Hassan: Oviedo holding out for release clause
Celtic are in talks to bring in Egypt World Cup star Haissem Hassan, who trained on his own on Friday after returning to Real Oviedo following the tournament. La Voz de Asturias report that Oviedo chiefs see his sale as "crucial" in order to balance the books and are preparing for his exit, but they are sticking to his £10 million release clause despite the wide man having just a year remaining on his deal.
Johnston: Everton intensify pursuit
Martin O'Neill has made it clear that Celtic are in no rush to sell Alistair Johnston, but The Telegraph report that Everton are now ramping up their pursuit of the Canada cap. Record Sport revealed earlier this week that Hoops are expecting a bid for the Canada full-back, with O'Neill admitting he is resigned to losing his talisman.
Polster: Hertha leading race
Celtic were credited with an interest in Wolfsberger goalkeeper Nikolas Polster earlier this year, with the player going public about his desire to leave the Austrian club this summer. Reports in Germany state that Hertha Berlin appear to be currently leading the race, but are haggling over Polster's €1 million (£850k) valuation.
Ghedjemis: Rangers and Celtic circling
Frosinone wide man Fares Ghedjemis is attracting interest from both Rangers and Celtic this summer, while the Serie A new boys appear to be preparing for his exit. Reports in Italy suggest that Red Star Belgrade forward Jay Enem is being targeted as a replacement, with an €8 million offer on the table.
