Celtic are expected to seal the signing of Real Oviedo winger Haissem Hassan, but have been told they need to splash out more than £8 million to secure Torino midfielder Gvidas Gineitis. Hassan is travelling to the UK to undergo his Celtic medical ahead of agreeing a four-year contract in a deal worth up to £9 million.
Deal details for Hassan
The Hoops have hammered out an agreement with the La Liga 2 side to capture the Egypt international for £6 million upfront, with a further £3 million in add-ons, including a bumper bonus should the Parkhead outfit reach the Champions League. The Scottish Premiership winners are pursuing multiple targets and are aiming to secure at least one additional recruit alongside Hassan before next week's European first leg encounter with LASK.
Other targets and outgoings
Terms with Paderborn midfielder Mika Buar have already been settled, but the Bundesliga club are adamant about retaining the 24-year-old. The Hoops are likewise fighting to keep hold of Arne Engels until at least beyond the play-off tie, with West Ham cooling their interest for now after failing to meet the £25 million valuation.
Torino's Gineitis represents another possibility, but Celtic risk being gazumped by Danny Rohl – with the former Rangers manager eager to lure the powerhouse to his new club Red Bull Salzburg. The Austrian side had an opening bid rejected, with Torino seeking to begin negotiations at £8 million, plus additional bonuses.
Engels situation and Johnston's future
The Bhoys will not be deterred by the price tag but will wait until Engels' situation is settled, as the Hammers are contemplating increasing their offer. The Belgian is believed to be interested in a transfer having been prevented from joining Nottingham Forest in January. However, the 23-year-old is not pushing for an exit having spoken with Shaun Maloney at the weekend, where he reassured the assistant manager of his commitment to delivering for the Parkhead outfit despite the speculation.
Celtic would rather retain him until after the LASK Champions League double-header – with defender Alistair Johnston in a comparable situation. The Canadian was substituted at the interval during Sunday's 5-1 thrashing of Kilmarnock after picking up a knock, and he continues to be monitored ahead of Saturday's Premier Sports Cup fixture with Dundee United at Tannadice.
Johnston remains a target for Everton despite them stepping back due to the valuation. Celtic are aiming to secure more than £20 million for the World Cup star while the Toffees have set their limit at £15 million. Everton manager David Moyes has shifted his focus elsewhere but it is understood he may return to negotiations with Johnston acknowledging he was attracted to the move.
Champions League squad deadline
The Hoops are reluctant to be depleted for the Champions League crucial tie but will have Hassan available if the medical proceeds smoothly. Celtic have until Thursday evening to submit their squad for the LASK clash – but can include another two new signings up until the day before the fixture.
