Celtic transfer state of play on Jota, Juranovic and Kvistgaarden as Tierney sees 'obligation' turn problematic
The Hoops could be set for a busy end to the transfer window as they seek solutions.
Brendan Rodgers has called for some more Celtic quality and time will tell whether or not the Parkhead boss gets his wish.
There is some early season soul searching going on in the Hoops support after a 1-0 defeat to Kilmarnock knocked them out the Viaplay Cup on Sunday. Dreams of another Treble are already over but now supporters are turning their attention to who Rodgers may look to sign in order to boost his squad's strength for a tilt in the Champions League.
There's been plenty of passing mentions for Premier League names like Daniel Podence and Ryan Fraser and links to Kieran Tierney have been lurking all summer. But now the time for talk and chatter could be about to come to a halt as Rodgers aims for the finishing touches, having already brought in six fresh faces. Here is the latest news and rumours surrounding Celtic at the minute.
Kieran Tierney
Talk of a dramatic return for the academy graduate and club hero has toned down in the window's home straight. Arsenal seem more likely to give the defender up but with a permanent preference, and amid Real Sociedad's advances, Fabrizio Romano claims an obligation demand from the Gunners is proving troublesome.
He told GiveMeSport: “I think he will because, on the player’s side, they are open to making this move happen. He wants to play, and that's why Arsenal have the same intention. Real Sociedad are the club showing the biggest interest because they made a verbal proposal for a loan deal with a buy option. Arsenal asked for an obligation. So, Arsenal want a permanent transfer. For Tierney, they aren’t so keen on a loan transfer. Let's see how the conversation with Real Sociedad will continue.”
Jota
Few could have predicted Jota to be embroiled in another transfer saga after confirming his move to Al Ittihad from Parkhead in July. But that is exactly what has transpired as middle-east reports change their tune from staying with the Tigers to on the way out.
According to reports, the Portuguese winger joins two other stars in Brazilian Marcelo Grohe and the Egyptian Tariq Hamed named on a three-man list 'close' to leaving to pave a route to bigger deals. Al Ittihad have been linked to Mo Salah and l-Sharq Al-Awsat via Marca claim the import from Celtic will be axed with an aim of appeasing the atmosphere in the club which is "dominated by tension."
Josip Juranovic
Another of the Hoops heroes of the Ange Postecoglou era, Union Berlin swooped to take the Croatian right-back to Germany in January. But already there are some murmurings of discontent as Fulham take an interest in him, according to Kicker.
They claim the Craven Cottage club have 'signalled' an interest in the 28-year-old who 'is not entirely satisfied with his playing time. That said, he is settled in the German capital and it makes a move this summer unlikely, despite English chatter emerging.
Mathias Kvistgaarden
Looking at an incoming, Brondby striker Mathias Kvistgaarden is one Celtic are said to be looking at this summer. The Scottish Sun now state that a £4million price tag has been placed on his head and director of football Carsten Jensen has admitted to TV3 that he reckoned that Kvistgaarden would be an important player for the Danes this term.
Jensen said when asked about the Celtic links: "Basically, it has not been part of the plan. We are still in the process of transfers. It's both relation to ins and outs. We still need to adjust the number of players in the squad, even though we are getting to where we want to be. It's definitely getting closer to what we want to have in our squad. Then we have our eyes and ears open in relation to a few more positions.”