Rumour Mill: Celtic linked with Gikiewicz | Ødegaard

Lukasz Gikiewicz is a target for Celtic, Hull and Chicago Fire. Picture: Contributed

Celtic linked with Gikiewicz

CELTIC have been linked with Polish forward Lukasz Gikiewicz - but face competition from MLS and the English Premier League for the 27-year-old with Chicago Fire and Hull monitoring the situation.

The Olsztyn-born forward has had something of a nomadic career, having turned out for Wigry Suwałki, Unia Janikowo, ŁKS Łódź, Śląsk Wrocław, AEL Limassol and most recently, Bulgarian outfit Levski Sofia.

He has also had spells in Kazakhstan and Greece. (Various)

Bailly looking forward to Parkhead life

CELTIC have completed the signing of Belgian keeper Logan Bailly, the club have announced.

The former OH Leuven stopper will be expected to push Parkhead number one Craig Gordon after he was handed a three-year deal by boss Ronny Deila.

He said: “It’s a great feeling, it’s big team with a big history and I’m very happy I’m here. When you see Celtic from the outside, you know it is a big team but when you are here you realise that it is a lot bigger.

“My manager told me about the interest but when you hear that a club like Celtic is interested in you, at first you don’t believe it, it’s like a dream to pay for Celtic. When you play football you dream of playing on the big stage.” (The Scotsman)

Ciftci deal close as talks continue

CELTIC are expected to complete the signing of striker Nadir Ciftci this week as they continue to bolster their squad ahead of the Champions League qualifying campaign.

On Tuesday, a bid for the Turkish striker was accepted by Dundee United, with Ciftci expected to be unveiled yesterday alongside Logan Bailly. However, talks have stalled as Celtic and Ciftci’s agent look to push the deal over the finishing line. (Various)

Real Madrid want Ødegaard to find loan deal in Spain

SPANISH TV pundit Petter Veland has played down rumours of Martin Ødegaard joining Celtic on loan - because Real Madrid want the highly-rated youngster to stay in Spain.

Veland told Norwegian media that, contrary to reports suggesting Ødegaard was all but set to join Celtic on loan. He said: “The Celtic rumour has been ebbed out completely in the Spanish media.

“It does not mean that they are without substance, but I know Real Madrid – and if you listen to experts down here, they say the club want him to remain in Spain.” (TV2)

Gers run rule over Spurs duo

RANGERS boss Mark Warburton will open talks with Tottenham this weekend about a number of loan deals for the club’s up-and-coming stars.

Warburton is keen on landing Harry Winks, but is also looking at former Brentford loanee Ryan Fredericks as he seeks to bolster the Rangers squad ahead of their Petrofac Cup clash with Hibernian. (Daily Record)

News in brief

• Aberdeen have been hit by a blow as it emerged last night that Mark Reynolds faces 12 weeks on the sidelines after sustaining a shoulder injury against Shkendija

• Celtic midfielder Liam Henderson believes his loan spell at Rosenborg will boost his chances at Celtic - even though it meant passing up a league medal with the Hoops

• St Johnstone manager Tommy Wright has denied claims made by John Collins that Celtic are being held back in Europe by the performances of the other Scottish clubs but has called on the SPFL to give more help to Scotland’s Euro participants by finishing the season earlier

• Released Hearts striker Dale Carrick is expected to join Kilmarnock

Rumour Mill: Celtic linked with Gikiewicz | Ødegaard | Rangers want Fredericks