Real Oviedo boss Julián Calero has been speaking about the likely departure of Haissem Hassan as Celtic close in on a transfer. The Bhoys are said to be edging closer to a £9million deal inclusive of add-ons, finally addressing their winger needs.
The Bhoys have wingers on the books, but lack a dangerous and natural wideman, with new striker Camilo Duran having played out wide for the first two games. Martin O'Neill's style of play is heavily reliant on quick wingers, and that has seen Celtic chase winger deals for much of the summer.
Hassan quickly became an option, but it has taken weeks to make a breakthrough with his current club Real Oviedo, who are willing to sell due to needing to reduce their wage bill in order to register new signings following relegation to LaLiga 2.
Celtic closing in on Hassan deal
Celtic made a major breakthrough last week in their bid to sign Hassan, and they are now understood to be closing in on a deal worth around £6million upfront and a further £3million in add-ons.
Villarreal will pocket 40% of that money, but Oviedo are still satisfied with the return, and it will give them the space they need to get new signings registered.
In the meantime, Oviedo boss Calero has said: "We all know him (Hassan) and of course he could have been a good fit, but we also have to consider the club’s finances, the player’s wishes, and offers from other clubs.
“We have a salary cap and we were aware that departures were necessary, and he was one of the possibilities. These are the circumstances, and I have to adapt.”
Hassan is expected to complete his move to Celtic this week, and it looks as though he will be in place for those all-important Champions League qualifiers against LASK on August 18 and 25.
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