Celtic manager Martin O'Neill is closing in on a deal for Paderborn midfielder Mika Baur, who has been left out of the German side's pre-season friendly against Southampton. The 22-year-old Germany U21 international has reportedly agreed personal terms with the Hoops, but Paderborn's sporting director Sebastian Lange insisted a transfer will only happen if the financial offer is satisfactory.
Quoted by Kicker, Lange said: "The financial side might say that something is of interest to SC Paderborn. But until that happens, there's no point in discussing it. All the players who are here are fully motivated to play in the Bundesliga. The lads certainly have goals and dreams. But if someone has a contract and we're facing a highlight season, then we'll decide what happens."
Hassam, Duran and Hogh potential strike force
Celtic are also in talks with Real Oviedo over winger Haissem Hassan, who impressed for Egypt at the World Cup. The Spanish club have warned they will play hardball over a transfer. If Hassan arrives, he could form a new forward partnership with Camilo Duran and Denmark international Kaper Hogh, who joined from Bodo/Glimt in a club-record £11million deal.
However, Celtic have failed in an attempt to re-sign centre-back Benjamin Arthur from Brentford. The 20-year-old spent the second half of last season on loan at Parkhead, making six appearances. The Richmond and Twickenham Times reports that Brentford rejected a permanent move, with manager Keith Andrews viewing Arthur as a key part of their plans.
Goalkeeper target Polster linked with Hertha Berlin
The Hoops may also miss out on goalkeeper Nikolas Polster, who was linked as a replacement for retired veteran Kasper Schmeichel. The Wolfsberger star has expressed a desire to leave, but sources in Austria now claim Hertha Berlin are in talks to sign the 24-year-old, who is in the final year of his contract.
Meanwhile, Bolton Wanderers boss Steven Schumacher was asked about re-signing Celtic striker Johnny Kenny, who scored six times in 14 loan appearances last season. Schumacher gave a coy response, saying: "I never do that – speak about things until stuff is done – but everyone knows what I feel about Johnny Kenny. He was so good for us last year so I don't need to hide away from that fact either. But we don’t comment on any individual until work's done in any position."
