Celtic are still said to be working on a deal to sign their priority midfield target, with the clock now ticking. The Bhoys have struggled to strike deals throughout this summer, and it is no different in the case of their proposed signing of Mika Baur.
The Paderborn midfielder has been a key target for Celtic over recent weeks, but his current side are playing hardball. The German club recently secured promotion to the Bundesliga, and Baur was a key part of that promotion charge.
With new-found revenue from the promotion, Paderborn do not need to sell, but it doesn't mean they won't at the right price.
Celtic 'still working' on Baur deal
According to a report from The Sun, Celtic are 'still working on' striking a deal for Baur after their initial £4million bid was rejected. Reports elsewhere have suggested a deal could be done for £4.3million, which would mean a relatively nominal increase from Celtic, who will make £25million from Arne Engels alone.
But the difference has not been confirmed at this stage, so we can give Celtic the benefit of the doubt, but Paderborn do not feel any need to sell, so it's going to take some sort of offer increase for the Bhoys to get the deal done.
Baur only has one year remaining on his contract, so Celtic believe there is a cheaper deal to be done, but Paderborn are happy to take the risk, so they hold the cards at this stage.
On the plus side, Celtic are reportedly still working on a deal, and that will be music to the ears of fans, who are desperate to see signings wrapped up.
Meanwhile, work is also said to be ongoing over the potential signing of another midfielder in Gvidas Gineitis, who is going to be a much more expensive signing, reportedly likely to cost as much as £13million.
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