Paderborn boss Ralf Kettemann has said he expects Mika Baur to remain at the club for the upcoming Bundesliga season, dampening Celtic's hopes of signing the playmaker this summer.
The Scottish Premiership champions have been in talks with the Bundesliga new boys over the Germany Under-21 international, and have already seen a £4million bid rejected. The 22-year-old's contract expires next summer, but Paderborn have been playing hardball over his valuation.
Baur returns after illness
Baur was left out of Paderborn's squad for their friendly against Southampton on Wednesday, with the club stating he missed out through illness. That absence only intensified speculation that a deal could be imminent.
However, he was recalled for Saturday's warm-up clash with Osnabrück, playing the full 90 minutes and netting in the 2-0 win.
Kettemann relaxed over future
With talks dragging on over the playmaker's future, Kettemann told NW Sport: "Of course, we're considering the worst-case scenario, that Mika and Laurin might leave. But I'm confident that both will stay. And if not, we'll find a solution. We have good players and good ideas. I'm really relaxed about it."
The Hoops are also facing interest in Arne Engels, with a bid from West Ham already booted out. Torino midfielder Gvidas Gineitis has been touted as a successor to Engels, while Reo Hatate and Paulo Bernardo also face uncertain futures.
