Celtic's transfer spree continues as Rangers wait for green light and Hibs lose key man
Champions plan to be active in closing days of transfer window
Celtic commenced what is expected to be a hectic final few days of the transfer window by signing midfielder Oliver Sorensen on loan from Parma on Tuesday.
The 24-year-old signed for the Serie A side last August after five years with Midtjylland in his homeland. The Hoops have an option to buy Sorensen, who has made 37 appearances, including 20 starts, for Parma over the past year.
The Dane is set to be joined by Wolves goalkeeper Sam Johnstone and 19-year-old PSV Eindhoven midfielder Joel van den Berg, who were both at Celtic’s Lennoxtown training ground on Tuesday as well.
Celtic are also keen to bolster both left-back and right-back. They are in talks with Chelsea over a loan deal for Landon Emenalo while reports last night claimed they have approached PSV over Jordan Lotomba.
Martin O’Neill’s side have also been linked with Torino midfielder Gvidas Gineitis and a loan move for 18-year-old Chelsea striker Shim Mheuka. Gineitis played for Torino in the Coppa Italia on Tuesday, while Mheuka was pictured arriving at Glasgow Airport.
In terms of outgoings, Japanese midfielder Reo Hatate has joined Burnley, while Irish striker Johnny Kenny joined fellow English Championship outfit Preston North End.
Over at Ibrox, Rangers are trying to conclude their £9 million deal for Portland Timbers striker Kevin Kelsy. Manager Derek McInnes has indicated the Venezuelan forwardis likely to be Rangers’ last signing of the transfer window.
“We’re still working hard to get one in at the minute,” boss McInnes told Sky Sports on Tuesday. “We’re getting closer on that one, but we believe it’s only going to be the one in.
“If we can get a striker in that helps alleviate the disappointment of Youssef’s injury, I think that would be pretty important for us.
“It wasn’t something we were looking to do so you’ve got to weigh everything up both from a financial and a numbers point of view in terms of the squad. I think the club have made the right improvements in certain areas and I think we’ve had a lot of good work done.
“I’m saying one – you never know, it might be more than one – but if we can get the one in that we want, it certainly helps alleviate a problem we’ve got at the minute.”
The latest on Rangers and Raskin
Belgium midfielder Nicolas Raskin was widely expected to be sold after starring at the World Cup, and has sat out their two most recent matches, but there have been no bids yet that have piqued Rangers’ interest.
“Nico’s been first-class since he came back from the World Cup, he’s been good as gold, he’s trained brilliantly,” said McInnes.
“Obviously there’s been a lot of chat about potential interest and there’s been a lot of conversations had with the club and prospective buyers. But until an offer comes in that the club need to consider, Nico just has to knuckle down and train.
“I’ve no doubts that if the window closes and Nico’s still a Rangers player, he’ll give brilliant service as he’s done previously. He’s getting interest because he’s a good player. I want to work with good players. We just need to wait and see how things develop.”
In terms of further exits, Lyall Cameron has joined Dundee United on loan for the rest of the season, while fellow midfielder Connor Barron moved to Middlesbrough on loan.
Another English club who swooped for a Scottish-based player was Leicester City, who were putting the finishing touches to a six-figure deal for Hibs defender Warren O'Hora. Foxes boss Russell Martin confirmed that he expects the Irishman to be at training on Wednesday morning.
Easter Road chiefs are working on a replacement for the 27-year-old, who leaves a significant gap in the Hibs defence.
The Scottish window closes later than in England and abroad, with the deadline falling at 5pm on Thursday.
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