Celtic are still said to be working on a deal to sign a midfielder as they prepare to lose Arne Engels this summer. The Bhoys are said to be in advanced talks with West Ham over the sale of Engels, demanding £25million for the sale of the Belgian star.
Celtic knew they were going to lose Engels this summer after rejecting a big bid for him back in January, and it's one of a number of holes they will have to fill over the coming weeks, with the new season starting as soon as Monday night.
Martin O'Neill likely needs at least two midfield signings this summer, and the Bhoys alread have one in mind.
Celtic continue to work on Mika Baur deal
Paderborn midfielder Mika Baur is a clear priority for Celtic this summer, with talks having spanned the last couple of weeks. The Hoops are said to be short of Paderborn's valuation, with the newly promoted Bundesliga side not needing to sell from a financial perspective.
The German side have maintained it has to be worth their while to sell, given Baur is an important player for them. The midfielder played a key role in them winning promotion to the top flight.
But while the Hoops are yet to agree a deal, Sky Sports Germany reporter Florian Plettenberg has reported that efforts are ongoing amid the Engels sales talks. While providing an update on the Engels situation, he added on X: "At the same time, Celtic are working on a deal to sign Mika Baur from SC Paderborn."
Baur has reportedly asked to leave Paderborn this summer, while he sat out their pre-season friendly with Southampton this week, reportedly suffering from a cold, but few bought that excuse.
It's a transfer that feels inevitable in many ways, but Celtic are going to have to up their offer to get Paderborn to sell, that much is clear, and the German side will be well aware of the money the Hoops are about to bring in for Engels, which will not help.
Celtic are said to be chasing a £4million deal, while Paderborn want more than that figure. The German side are not going to be making exceptions for a team that is about to welcome £25million or so, especially given the difference is likely only around £1million, although that is not clear at this point.
The Bhoys likely have to accept they need to pay to get their man.
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