Celtic are now said to be pushing ahead with their efforts to land a second midfielder signing in Niko Sigur. The Bhoys are hoping to land a replacement for Arne Engels despite already signing Mika Baur, who is of a very different mould.
Martin O'Neill knows he needs another solid midfielder to help out Callum McGregor defensively, and it does look as though the Bhoys have decided on their priority target.
Celtic appear to want Canadian international Sigur, who has been catching the eye with Hajduk Split, while he also represented Canada at this summer's World Cup. Still only 22 years of age, Sigur, who has been a target in the past, fits Celtic's transfer strategy in that he has plenty of development ahead of him, and he is likely to grow in value.
Celtic advancing in Sigur transfer
According to the Daily Record, Celtic are advancing with their talks to sign Sigur, but it's expected a deal will not happen until Hajduk Split have played their Conference League qualifier, or at least the first leg.
The Bhoys are likely willing to be more patient because Sigur would not be able to play in their Champions League qualifiers in any case. The squad has already been submitted for both legs, so no further changes can be made until the league phase, should Celtic get there.
The report claims Celtic could get hold of Sigur for just £3million, which would make it a bargain deal. Sigur is still a young player and already a 22-time senior international.
Should Sigur make the move to Parkhead, he would become the second Canadian international, along with Alistair Johnston, who now looks set to stay put this summer. Although Johnston will not be involved in the qualifiers either, having picked up a small injury.
Baur and Sigur differ significantly
In Baur, Celtic have signed a smaller midfielder who is busy and always wants to be on the ball. Whether he has the same technical ability is unclear at this stage, but he has shades of Barry Bannan in the way he plays.
Sigur is a more dominant player who does the dirty work in midfield, but he is not to be kept in that box alone. Sigur will drift into the box and provide the odd goal, too. The Bhoys should have a nice balance between the two, but there may still be a drop-off, given Celtic will not have a player of Arne Engels' quality going forward.
Add us as a preferred source on Google