Celtic ready to fast-track Gary Hooper into Braga squad

GARY HOOPER is expected to be formally unveiled as Neil Lennon's sixth signing for Celtic today as they add him to their squad for tomorrow night's Champions League third qualifying round, first leg assignment against Braga in Portugal.

• Celtic target Gary Hooper leaves Parkhead after talks. Picture: SNS

The 22-year-old striker arrived at Celtic Park yesterday to undergo a medical and agree personal terms after Scunthorpe United accepted a fee of around 2.4 million for the player they signed from Southend United for just 125,000 two years ago.

Uefa regulations allow one new addition to a club's squad to be registered 24 hours before a Champions League qualifier and Hooper will join his new team-mates at Glasgow Airport this morning as they travel to northern Portugal.

Hooper's arrival maintains the hectic transfer activity at Celtic as Lennon continues to refurbish his squad for the forthcoming European and domestic campaign. Efrain Juarez, the Mexican international midfielder whose work permit was secured in time for him to be registered in Celtic's Champions League squad before last Thursday night's initial deadline, was presented as Lennon's fifth signing at a media conference yesterday.

The 22-year-old, who can also play at right-back, has signed a four-year contract with Celtic who have paid his Mexican club UNAM Pumas a reported fee of around 3 million for his services.

"I didn't have to think twice when my agent told me Celtic were interested in me," said Juarez. "I know this is a club with a great history and I want to win championships and trophies here, as well as play in the Champions League."

Lennon had already signed the trio of Charlie Mulgrew, Cha Du Ri and Joe Ledley on free transfers from Aberdeen, Freiburg and Cardiff City respectively, while Daryl Murphy was secured from Sunderland for around 1.5 million.

The Celtic manager's prospective move to sign England goalkeeper David James, however, has been delayed. The 39-year-old was scheduled to visit the club yesterday for a tour of Celtic Park and the Lennoxtown training ground but postponed the trip because of a family matter.

James, who has turned down a new contract offer at Portsmouth, is now expected to travel north for talks with Lennon at the end of the week. Sunderland are also interested in James, however, as they seek cover for the injured Craig Gordon.

The recruitment of Israeli international midfielder Biram Kayal, however, is much further down the line and Celtic expect to conclude the deal within the next 48 hours. A fee in the region of 1.2 million has been agreed with Maccabi Haifa for the 22-year-old, with Celtic now in the process of securing a work permit.

Aiden McGeady, meanwhile, is expected to be part of the Celtic squad which flies out this morning. The Republic of Ireland international winger has not featured in any of the club's pre-season fixtures because of a thigh injury amid speculation he will be sold. Aston Villa have been strongly linked with the 24-year-old.

In other transfer news, Hercules remain confident of landing Celtic striker Georgios Samaras.

The ambitious La Liga side have just splashed out 2.5 million to sign Paraguyan World Cup striker Nelson Haedo Valdez from Borussia Dortmund, but the Greek internationalist Samaras remains on the Alicante-based side's radar.

Hercules sports director Paquito said: "We are still looking for attacking players. We still want Samaras, but he has other options too.

"All I can say is that we hope in the next two or three days, our supporters could have some pleasant surprises." Lennon admitted he had changed his mind about selling the World Cup star after an impressive pre-season from the former Manchester City player. But the arrival of Hooper may limit Samaras' playing time at Parkhead.

Celtic have also been linked with teenage Dutch striker Alex Schalk in what would be a 10,000 deal. The 17-year-old has apparently agreed to move to Scotland from NAC Breda and will arrive in Glasgow this week.

Schalk is out of contract and Celtic only have to pay a five figure sum in compensation to NAC for developing the youngster.