Celtic have seen an opening offer for Fares Ghedjemis rejected and are preparing a fresh bid for the Algerian winger, who was left out of Frosinone's friendly with Benevento on Saturday.
Alistair Johnston is also closing in on a move to Everton, with the Premier League club's package understood to be worth up to £15m. The Canada full-back has made clear he wants the switch, but negotiations between the clubs continue after Everton put forward around £12m up front plus add-ons.
West Ham ready improved Engels offer
Arne Engels is the subject of renewed interest from West Ham, who are set to make an improved offer for the midfielder. The Championship side have already had two bids rejected, both falling below Celtic's valuation. Celtic previously turned down £20m plus £5m in bonuses from Nottingham Forest in January and are looking for similar figures from the Hammers.
Engels has already agreed personal terms, and the switch is expected to progress in the coming days. That would prompt Celtic to reopen talks with Paderborn over Mika Baur, with the German club holding out for £7m after rejecting a bid of around £4m. The Germany Under-21 player is keen on a move to Scotland.
McGregor tipped for future role
Manager Martin O'Neill has held talks with the club's chief executive about preparing a path for Callum McGregor beyond his playing days. The captain, who has two years left on his contract, has committed to the club despite interest from Saudi Arabia.
"He had a good conversation with Michael, the CEO. It didn't need reiterating what we think of him here, his potential, and what he can do," O'Neill said.
"Right about now, he should be starting to think about coaching badges, so there's always a role for him here. He's got a couple of years left to run on his contract and he by all accounts wants to stay, that's what he said to me. He's happy."
"If I was thinking at boardroom level, I'd be thinking something along those lines."
Asked if McGregor could become a future boss, O'Neill said: "That is extremely possible. It's too early for him to think about that, but he's definitely managerial material. There were some lads that have done well as managers that I had that you wouldn't have immediately thought that was the case, and there's other ones I thought would be terrific, and it didn't materialise. Is Callum a coach on the pitch? Very much so."
Champions League play-off opponents known
O'Neill is preparing for Monday's Premiership opener against Dundee while still looking to bring in new players. Celtic will learn their Champions League play-off opponents in the draw, with possible ties against LASK, Viking, Aarhus, Sabah, Celje, Ararat, or Kairat if they beat Levski Sofia.
The boss wants new signings before the clash on August 18 or 19. "Obviously there is excitement but in an ideal world it would be great to have some more players in," he said.
"But I am looking at getting as much quality if you can, and still balancing things, like players leaving. The draw is obviously very important but the game, to me, is the most important against Dundee. Everything else would take care of itself. But I would hopefully be speaking to you in a couple of weeks' time and thinking we've got a squad capable of lasting this season. I was told we could have one of five or six teams. Every single one of them would have normal concerns for me."
