Celtic suffer last-minute transfer blow before deadline day

Celtic have left it down to the last minute once again. With deadline day around the corner, the Hoops need to make a few signings at least before the summer transfer window slams shut. One area in particular need of reinforcements is their midfield. On one hand, there is good news. The Scottish champions are believed to have agreed a record deal to sign Arne Engels from FC Augsburg.

It goes without saying that expectations will be set high for Engels from the get-go and he has big boots to fill. In fact, there have been suggestions that Celtic want to sign not one but two midfielders to replace O'Riley.

Los Angeles FC's Mateusz Bogusz was heavily linked with a switch to Celtic in recent days but that move now seems to be off the table. After news broke of that deal collapsing, Alvyn Sanches was rumoured to be the club's next target in midfield.

But as tweeted by Charlie Gordon, Celtic have seen an opening £2.5 million transfer bid for Sanches rejected by Lausanne-Sport. A counter-offer was sent back to the Hoops last night but no progress today. The midfielder is still expected to leave with clubs elsewhere in Europe keen and pushing.

Celtic suffer last-minute transfer blow before deadline day

There is a further update on the matter from a very reliable source. As tweeted by Anthony Joseph, Celtic have been in talks to sign Sanches but a deal is now looking unlikely at this stage. The Hoops are still looking for another midfielder.

Celtic have actually been linked with Sanches for a while. But after Bogusz, it looks signing him before deadline day is unlikely as well.

It remains to be seen if Celtic do end up signing another midfielder at the last-minute or not. Honestly, even if they don't, they have plenty of options in the middle of the park.