Celtic have confirmed the arrival of winger Haissem Hassan in a deal worth up to £10million on a four-year contract from Real Oviedo, and they have moved to secure a deal for Mika Baur in time for next week's Champions League clash with LASK. The Parkhead recruitment team has identified Hajduk Split star Niko Sigur as one of their main options for the defensive midfield position, along with Torino's Gvidas Gineitis.
Sigur interest set to advance
Chief executive Michael Nicholson is expected to advance that interest and open talks with the Croatian club in the coming days. A significant seven-figure bid would be required for Celtic to engage Hajduk in talks. The 22-year-old is a team-mate of Celtic star Alistair Johnston at international level. National boss Jesse Marsch hailed Sigur as "Canada's best player on the pitch" after their World Cup last-16 clash with Morocco.
Sigur, who has 22 caps, can play as a No.6 or No.8 and can also provide cover at right-back. The Canadian has interest from some of Europe's top leagues but would be keen to team up with Johnston at Celtic. Sigur moved from Radomlje to join Hajduk's youth ranks before he advanced into their first team and has been one of their main players over the last three seasons.
Baur and Hassan signings
Midfielder Baur will undergo a medical today ahead of his £6.8million move from Paderborn. He'll join winger Hassan – snapped up from Real Oviedo in a deal which could reach £9m – on board before tonight's Euro squad registration deadline. Hassan admitted he jumped at the chance to join Celts and said: "It is a great moment and a real honour for me to join Celtic, a phenomenal club with such a brilliant history and wonderful supporters.
"When I heard about Celtic being interested in me, I had to get here and be part of the club. I am really looking forward to getting to know all my team-mates and facing the challenges we have ahead of us. I want to play my part in bringing success to our fans."
Further additions expected
Boss Martin O'Neill said: "I think the club has done really well to secure a player of such quality, with a number of other clubs interested in him. He is someone who I think has the ability and experience to do very well for us, performing at a high level in domestic and international football. I know he is excited about being with us and I am sure our fans will enjoy the energy and attacking intent which Haissem will bring to matches. I hope he will become a very important member of our squad going forward."
The Hoops can add two more players by Tuesday and are expected to advance on a loan deal for a left-back while they are still in the market for another keeper. But Parkhead gaffer Martin O'Neill has finally got Baur on the books after a summer spent chasing the Germany Under-21 player. His arrival is expected to nudge Reo Hatate closer to the exit after a four-and-a-half year stint in Scotland.
The champions are still looking to add to their midfield options, with West Ham still in pursuit of the Belgium international. The Championship outfit are expected to return to the table, with the Hoops looking to bank £25m for the Belgian. Celts are hoping to hold on to the 24-year-old until after next week's showdown with the Austrians but a mega offer could force their hand.
Baur landing would soften the blow after the long-term target was finally given the green light to head to Scotland. Celtic had a £4m bid thrown out earlier in the summer, with Paderborn determined to hold out for a fee of around double. The clubs reached a compromise yesterday, however, and with Baur already agreeing personal terms, the youngster headed to the UK to complete formalities. Paderborn boss Ralf Ketteman said: "The transfer isn't finalised yet but I have to assume it's going ahead. It hurts both professionally and personally."
