Michel Ange Balikwisha to Celtic transfer could be resurrected in January as Antwerp chief confirms summer talks

Sven Jaecques revealed Celtic and Rennes were in negotiations for the winger before a move had to be shelved

Michel-Ange Balikwisha could yet join Celtic in January, according to his club's CEO.

The Royal Antwerp winger was linked with a move to the Premiership champions in the summer as Brendan Rodgers looked to splash the cash and strengthen his wide options for a tilt at the Champions League knockout stage. Injury meant a move never materialised and the Hoops focused on other areas, bringing in compatriot Arne Engels for a club record fee as well as Dundee captain Luke McCowan on deadline day.

But Antwerp supremo Sven Jaecques has left the door open to a January switch. He confirmed that Celtic and Ligue 1 outfit Rennes - who eventually signed a wide man in the shape of former Celtic favourite Jota - were both in talks over a deal for Balikwisha. And he hasn't ruled out letting the 23-year-old leave in the winter window should Celts return to the negotiating table.

“Well, Balikwisha was down with an injury, so we knew it was going to be difficult,” he told Gazet van Antwerpen. "Two clubs [Celtic and Rennes] kept negotiating to possibly still bring him in, but in the meantime, we know that such clubs will rather focus on January anyway. He must now return as soon and fit as possible and then we will see what happens.”

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