Celtic’s remaining transfer budget addressed by Brendan Rodgers after £9.5m Adam Idah deal

Celtic are not in a position where player exits determine whether or not signings will be made in the closing weeks of the transfer window.

The Bhoys have just completed a major transfer deal with Norwich City, signing Adam Idah for a fee that could reach as much as £9.5m with add-ons.

While the market is ballooning in leagues around Europe, it’s still pretty rare for Celtic to spend that kind of money on a single player.

Everyone knows that the Bhoys are flush with cash right now, in comparison to other Scottish sides at least, but there’s little doubt the Idah move took a significant chunk out of the budget available to Brendan Rodgers.

Nonetheless, the manager is still bullish about Celtic’s spending capabilities in the remaining weeks of the transfer window.

Brendan Rodgers talks up Celtic’s financial strength

Asked whether exits would need to occur for other deals to be completed, Rodgers responded [Celtic FC]: “I don’t think so. Financially we are in a really good place. The sale of anyone shouldn’t have to determine what we do. I have said before we don’t want to lose Matt O’Riley. I still feel we need to strengthen in certain areas and we have the resources to do that.

“Selling players won’t determine what we can bring in. We want to improve the squad. That is separate from the guys that are here because they have been absolutely brilliant. They have been great for me. We have connected and it has been great.

“You always have to look to improve. There are certain gaps in our squad where we are light in terms of numbers, cover and competition. So that is what we have to work very hard to try and achieve by the end of the window.”

Rodgers looking for ‘higher level’ of Celtic deal

Later pressed on whether we could see large chunks of money spent like the Idal deal, Rodgers explained: “It’s one where, as an example, if you spend £18 million, and you spend it on nine players, I would hope there’s a possibility to spend £18m on three players.

“Our model is to bring in young players to develop and improve, but you can bring young players in to develop and improve but at a higher level. And then you know a little bit more of what you’re getting maybe and there’s maybe a higher ceiling.

“But you might be able to bring in one more at that level or two more. I think we can do that, it’s just about getting the right player.”

Promising noises then, from a fan perspective. We’re all waiting to see what Celtic’s next move in the market is. Going by these comments, it could be as ambitious as the recent spend on Idah.

Celtic transfer interest in Liverpool ace who shone under Klopp assessed as move for ‘very good player’ backed

The Liverpool star has been linked with a transfer to Celtic.

A former Celtic star has backed possible Hoops advances for Liverpool midfielder Wataru Endo.

The Japanese international has made 43 appearances for the Reds since a move to Anfield in 2023, impressing in Jurgen Klopp’s final year as gaffer. It was claimed earlier this week that the Premiership champions were monitoring the Liverpool man, coming after links to Caoimhin Kelleher earlier this summer alongside more recent notes of interest in Owen Beck, Ben Doak and Bobby Clark.

Matt O’Riley is linked with an exit from the Celtic midfield department while Reo Hatate is also said to have interest in him. Celtic hero Peter Grant has assessed the interest from his ex-club in Endo, and has given it his backing, as he can see the reasoning behind making such a transfer move.

He told Go Radio: “I really liked him when he was in Germany. I thought it was a really good signing for Liverpool, and he did really well for Liverpool last year under Klopp. Klopp obviously knows the German game very well.

“He brought him in and thought he would do a job for Liverpool, and he proved that. I think the Liverpool fans were really impressed with him last year. It’ll be interesting to see; I think it would be more of a loan than anything else.

“What it would do is, say if Matt went for talking’s sake, Callum could play that position. Endo could come in and play that sitting one. So I can understand the reasoning behind it. He’s a very, very good player.”

Celtic now weighing up move for “highly rated” £4m O’Riley replacement

Following yet another reported bid from Atalanta, Celtic have now reportedly identified a replacement for Matt O’Riley in a deal that would cost those in Glasgow just £4m this month.

Celtic transfer news

The Bhoys have certainly been stubborn throughout the O’Riley saga, holding out for their valuation even as Atalanta reportedly edge closer to a deal. The Italians’ £21.5million plus £2m add-ons offer was still not enough, as Celtic stand firm on their £25m valuation, but it seems only a matter of time before Atalanta do match that valuation and welcome the Dane in a major blow for the Scottish Premiership champions.

As the midfielder edges closer to the exit door, Celtic have at least been busy on the incomings front, most recently welcoming Adam Idah on a permanent deal from Norwich City following such an impressive loan spell in the second-half of last season.

The Irishman is unlikely to be the end of the Bhoys’ business, either, given the O’Riley links and potential need for an attacking midfield replacement.

According to the Daily Mail, Celtic have now identified Alvyn Sanches as a player who could replace O’Riley this month in a deal worth just £4m. The Lausanne-Sport midfielder is still just 21 years old and may yet emerge to become a bargain buy for all involved in Scotland, capable of playing through the middle and on the wing.

If they can receive as much as £25m for O’Riley, before investing just £4m to replace their star, then Celtic could look back on this transfer window as a stroke of genius, should all go to plan.

Replacing O’Riley will be no easy task, however, and the pressure would certainly be on Sanches to hit the ground running.

“Highly rated” Sanches has shown plenty of potential

Even though he saw his campaign disrupted by injury last season, Sanches showed more than enough potential to earn the interest of Celtic. The midfielder ended the season with an impressive output, but will no doubt have to take that aspect of his game up another level entirely if Celtic want him to fill the void potentially left behind by O’Riley.

League stats 23/24 (via FBref)

Matt O’Riley

Alvyn Sanches

Starts

37

19

Goals

18

5

Assists

13

0

Previously described as “highly rated” by The Express’ Charlie Gordon, the Swiss midfielder would particularly need to up the creative side of his game after failing to record a single league assist last season. On the goalscoring side, however, he proved his prowess with five in just 18 starts for Laussane.

For just £4m, Sanches is a player that Brendan Rodgers could help mould into a top player in Scotland, eventually replicating the quality of O’Riley in the process. It’s a method that wouldn’t be without its risks, given the importance of O’Riley’s quality, but Celtic would be saving themselves significant investment this month.

As the window comes to a close, the Bhoys will be ones to watch when it comes to both arrivals and those heading for the exit door.

Brendan Rodgers targets £18m triple signing scenario as mega Idah deal the NEW blueprint – Celtic transfer state of play

Rodgers promised fans they’ll have a ‘strong team’ by the end of the transfer window

Celtic – Latest News From Parkhead

Brendan Rodgers insists going big on Adam Idah is proof the Parkhead board mean business in this transfer window.

The Hoops have shelled out a potentially record £9.5m fee for the frontman but the boss is determined to push for more quality additions before deadline day. Rodgers is thrilled to have Idah back on board and the hitman is in line for a quick fire second debut with Kyogo struggling with his shoulder injury. But he is not finished shopping yet and has told fans he’s out to deliver the best money can buy.

Rodgers said: “I think what supporters want from the club is two things. One, is your club well run? There’s no doubt here, the club is super well run, everything, organisation, very, very good. And two, supporters want to have the best team possible on the pitch. That allows them to skip back to each game really excited about watching the team.

Brendan Rodgers and Anthony Ralston at Celtic training (Image: SNS Group)

“I always think that’s the challenge. And that’s our challenge, to get to the end of this window, to have the very best team that we possibly can have on the field. That’s what we want. That’s what supporters want. So hopefully we can do that. Well, I say hope – I want us to be able to do that.

“It’s the level of risk. You can sign a player for £1-2m, fine. And you might sell them for £10m. But you can sign a player for £7-8m, maybe sell them for £30-40m.

“It’s the same thing, you know. But it’s really trusting the process and trusting a team of people that can work very, very hard and then allowing you to get the players in.

“The Celtic supporters deserve enough of that. What they invest week in, week out to this team, worldwide, merchandise, everything. It’s a duty here for us to try and get the best team we possibly can on the field, to inspire them to come and watch the team.

“That’s what we try to do by the football that we play. But that will always be elevated by the level of player that you have. So, that’s our notion over these final weeks of the window, to try and look to have a really strong team.”

Rodgers has driven a shift in mentality at Parkhead. Unlike last summer, there won’t be nine new faces landing at £2m a pop, in the hope or or two turn into stars. The boss wants to streamline the incomings – and ramp up the quality. And he won’t rule out splashing out similar dosh to the Idah deal on other new recruits.

He said: “If you spend £18 million and you spend it on nine players, I would hope there’s a possibility to spend £18 million on three players.

“Our model is to bring in young players to develop and improve. But you can bring young players in to develop and improve, but at a higher level. And then you know a little bit more of what you’re getting maybe, and there’s maybe a higher ceiling. I think we can do that. It’s just about getting the right player.”

Rodgers has had a major say in signing Kasper Schmeichel and then pushing the boat out for Idah. But the star spotting is the responsibility of the recruitment department and he admitted it’s a department that still requires work in the wake of last season’s upheaval following Mark Lawwell’s departure.

He said: “We need to improve that. The department and other people here, the people that are here are absolutely fantastic. The work they’ve put in over the course of the summer and going back over the months, being so diligent, covering many games, travelling out to games. So, I’ve done so much work on that front. But it’s still an area I think that we can review after the window and see where, like every area, every department, where we can improve it.

“The guys that have been here, they’ve worked ever so hard, going through the various options and availability of players to try and help us.”

Rodgers has no doubt Idah will do that and laughed off some of the bulking over the fee as he’s convince the frontman will give plenty of bang for his buck. He said: “You can never win, can you? You don’t spend money. You do spend money. You spend too much.

“We’ve got a great deal. I know the player that we have here. And for me, it’s just a case of just getting him moving in the direction that I believe he can move in. He has all the talent. He’s 6ft 3ins, he’s quick, he’s strong, his touch is good.

“He can score goals. He has big moments and big games. So for me, there’s still areas that he can improve on, of course. And as a young player, that’s what you’d expect. But I really think that whatever money we paid for him, he’s worth every single penny of it – and he’ll demonstrate that in the next 24 months. He’ll be worth a lot more than that.”

Idah won’t be a replacement for Kyogo though – as the pair will share striking duties. Rodgers said: “I’ll make it clear, I see them both as number one strikers. Kyogo has been absolutely brilliant and he has started off the season really, really well. But you can’t rely on someone who only played to the highest level, 55 to 60 games a season.

“I felt that I wanted another guy who I can call a number one striker. That’s what I feel I have. Just depending on the game, depending on the energy in the team, just depending on the circumstances of the match or the fixture list, then having those two is a big asset for us.”

Celtic are still looking at multiple positions to strengthen Brendan Rodgers’ squad in the closing weeks of the summer transfer window.

A key priority remains sourcing a replacement for Matt O’Riley should he end up leaving the club before the end of August.

Multiple clubs – primarily Atalanta and Brighton – have expressed interest in paying big money for the midfielder but have not yet met Celtic’s O’Riley valuation.

Celtic are actively pursuing a succession plan and have been linked with players such as Arne Engels, Luke McCowan and Daniel Gazdag in recent weeks.

Now another has joined the potential replacement list – and it’s someone Celtic have scouted for quite a while now.

Celtic ‘consider move’ for Alvyn Sanches

The Scottish Daily Mail reports that the £4.3m-rated Alvyn Sanches is now a serious contender to sign for the club if O’Riley makes his exit.

Sanches is a man in demand with Burnley, Nice, Anderlecht and Club Brugges all amongst those tracking the Lausanne star’s situation this summer.

It comes after news back in June that Celtic had sent scouts to Switzerland to watch Sanches on multiple occasions throughout 2023 and 2024.

The Sanches profile fits what Celtic look for

Still just 21, Sanches has already made close to 100 appearances for Lausanne and is on the cusp of a big move elsewhere – exactly the moment Celtic would like to strike for a talent with a lot of potential.

He’s had plenty of football in the early stages of his career and is well placed to push on and become a senior Switzerland international having represented the country at U21 level.

The talent is undoubtedly a player who likes to impact play in the final third too, like O’Riley. He isn’t a sitting midfielder.

It’s a link that makes sense and he appears to be within Celtic’s spending capabilities. That makes him one to watch closely over the next fortnight – especially if we wave goodbye to our Danish star.

Celtic are well known to be on the hunt for a left-back this summer with Brendan Rodgers requiring competition for Greg Taylor.

Currently, only the untested Matthew Anderson is in place to provide backup for the Scotland international with Alexandro Bernabei out on loan in Brazil.

It’s a key priority in the closing stages of the transfer window and although the club have been linked with players such as Hugo Bueno and Owen Beck, no breakthrough has been made.

Now, another name is piquing Celtic’s interest as the Bhoys turn to Eredivisie giants Ajax for inspiration.

Celtic show interest in Owen Wijndal

Sky Sports report that both Celtic and Werder Bremen have made initial enquiries with the Dutch club for defender Owen Wijndal.

Ajax are said to be open to offers for the player, who spent last season on loan at Royal Antwerp in Belgium.

Wijndal is contracted to his club until 2027 so, theorising, this may be a case of loan-to-buy from a Celtic perspective but it’s a promising update on a position of need for the Bhoys.

Wijndal’s career to date

The left-back made his senior debut at AZ Alkmaar, for whom he made 143 appearances in total. A standout 2021/22 season which resulted in 12 assists alerted Ajax to his potential.

They subsequently agreed to an £8.5m deal for the player and he made 32 appearances before making that loan switch to Belgium.

His form at AZ Alkmaar also earned him international recognition, winning 11 caps for the Netherlands in 2020 and 2021.

He featured 40 times for Antwerp last term including six starts in the group stages of the Champions League, helping beat Barcelona 3-2 on the final matchday.

Wijndal has a strong profile and would certainly be coming in to compete directly for Taylor’s spot in the starting eleven, so this will be an interesting story to track with just a fortnight of the transfer window remaining

“Very talented” – Potential QPR advantage over Celtic in Liverpool transfer battle highlighted

QPR faces tough competition for Liverpool’s Owen Beck from Celtic and Leeds United.

Potential for Beck to start at QPR could be a deciding factor in transfer deal.

Regular playing time at QPR may sway Beck away from bigger clubs like Celtic and Leeds.

This article is part of Football League World’s ‘Terrace Talk’ series, which provides personal opinions from our FLW Fan Pundits regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more…

Queens Park Rangers look set to battle Scottish heavyweights Celtic for a talented young Liverpool full-back Owen Beck.

Reports suggest that QPR have entered the race for Beck but it seems they will have to beat off interest from the Hoops and Leeds United if they are to land their man.

With the future of current left-back Jonathan Paal still up in the air, Beck could be the answer to a squad gap at Loftus Road.

Our QPR Fan Pundit, Louis Moir, has given his thoughts on the proposed deal.

Owen Beck has potential and minutes at QPR could sway him

The Rs fan feels his club will face a tough battle against the likes of Celtic but feels there are some factors that could sway the defender towards West London.

Speaking to Football League World, Louis said: “Yeah it seems Owen Beck is a really highly-rated and if it’s true, that it’s us and Celtic looking at him, you’d fancy Celtic to win that battle.

“But, then again, if he’s not guaranteed to start for them, and he’d come to us maybe being guaranteed those first-team minutes, that could have a massive effect on the deal.

“So yeah, he looks a good player, looks a very good player. I don’t think Liverpool would probably have kept hold of him for so long if they didn’t believe in him.

“But he’s clearly got ability, he’s clearly got talent. And from what I’ve seen and read he kind of looks – and I’m obviously not going to say on par in terms of quality and level – but a similar left-back to Andy Robertson in the way he plays. I can sort of see that in the clips I’ve seen of Beck.

“He just looks a solid left-back and we’re obviously in the market for one. Obviously,, we don’t know what’s going to happen with Kenneth Paal; whether he’s going, staying, signing a new deal.

“So, yeah, I like the look of this Owen Beck. I think he’d do a job. I wouldn’t mind a loan deal and it could be one of them where it’s a view to a permanent.

“I can’t see it being a permanent deal. But yeah, I’d happily take him on loan. He looks a good player and I think he’d probably add a more defensive side to our left-back role, because obviously Kenneth Paal’s very attacking, and sometimes struggles defensively.

“So yeah, I’d be happy with him. He looks very, very talented and also he’s still young and could develop into something really good. So yeah, hopefully we get him in.”

QPR must go hard on their selling points

Clubs like Leeds are huge footballing institutions, and it is not beyond the realms of possibility that they could be back in the Premier League this time next year.

Celtic is arguably an even more attractive option based on the fact that they will be competing in the Champions League this season and lifted the top prize in Scottish football last term.

Beck’s career so far, as per Transfermarkt

Team

Apps

Goals

Assists

Liverpool U21

54

2

11

Dundee FC

28

2

4

Liverpool U18

15

0

0

Bolton Wanderers

9

0

0

Liverpool UEFA U19

6

0

1

Liverpool

3

0

0

However, as Louis identifies, QPR may be able to offer Beck something that the other clubs can’t, and that is regular football.

Having spent many years in Liverpool’s academy system and on the periphery of their squad, now is the time for Beck to solidify his senior status. He turned out 25 times for Dundee FC last season, contributing two goals and four assists, and will not want to drop back to being a reserve player again.

QPR are the most likely to be able to offer him those minutes, especially in light of Paal’s situation, so they must put this at the forefront of their offer to Beck if they want to stand any chance of landing his signature.

It will be a tough battle, but the Rs have a solid case for being Beck’s best landing spot for the season ahead.

We want to hear from you! Share your opinions in the thread below and remember to keep it respectful.

Celtic reject fifth Atalanta bid for O’Riley’ – gossip

Celtic have rejected a fifth bid of £21.5m, plus add-ons, from Atalanta for 23-year-old midfielder Matt O’Riley. (Sky Sports), external

Atalanta have asked for information on Udinese 22-year-old Lazar Samardzic as they look at alternative offensive midfield options to Celtic’s Matt O’Riley and will follow up with contacts once an official bid worth nearly £50m is received from Juventus for Teun Koopmeiners. (Fabrizio Romano on X), external

Augsburg midfielder Arne Engels has told friends he wants to join Celtic, with the Scottish champions having opened preliminary talks over a deal for the 20-year-old. (Football Insider), external

Celtic will have to sell Matt O’Riley first if they are to buy Arne Engels, with a £10m price tag being touted, but Augsburg would be less likely to part with the 20-year-old if fellow midfielder Ruben Vargas gets his wish to leave before the end of the transfer window. (Football Scotland), external

Striker Adam Idah’s return to Celtic on Thursday from Norwich City after last season’s loan will cost the Scottish champions £9.5m. (Sky Sports), external

Aberdeen could bank up to £9m following Thursday’s sale of striker Bojan Miovski to Spanish La Liga club Girona. (Press & Journal), external

Friday’s English & European transfer rumours

Oxford United, Stoke City and Swansea City have joined clubs from across Europe interested in signing 20-year-old Scotland Under-21 right-back Max Johnston on loan from Sturm Graz. (Football Insider), external

Rabbi Matondo is wanted by Leeds United as the 23-year-old winger prepares for an exit from Rangers this summer. (Football Scotland), external

Rangers could turn to Brandon Williams, the 23-year-old left-back freed by Manchester United, amid growing fears that Ridvan Yilmaz has suffered a long-term injury after the Turkey international had to postpone a scan on his damaged thigh because of the extent of the swelling. (Daily Record), external

Hibernian have made a third bid of £750,000 for Dundee captain Luke McCowan, with Celtic closely monitoring the situation but yet to make an official approach for the 26-year-old valued at around £1m by his club. (Anthony Joseph on X), external

Hibernian head coach David Gray will look to sign another striker after Dylan Vente headed back to the Netherlands to join Zwolle on loan. (Edinburgh Evening News), external

Kieran Tierney, who is still out of the manager’s first team plans after his loan to Real Sociedad, has been spotted for the first time at Arsenal this season after the 27-year-old Scotland defender took part in the club’s annual media day. (Football Scotland), external

Jonny Hayes, the 37-year-old wing-back who became a coach with Celtic’s B team after leaving Aberdeen and retiring from professional football, has turned out for Bishopbriggs-based St Mungo amateurs in the Caledonian League. (Glasgow Times), external

Daniel Kelly rejects ‘lucrative’ Celtic offer to join Millwall – sources

Celtic midfielder Daniel Kelly has rejected a “lucrative” Celtic contract offer to join Millwall, sources have told Football Insider.

The 18-year-old is heading south of the border after opting not to extend with the Glasgow giants, where his current deal was due to expire on 31st December.

Kelly has been free to speak to clubs outside Scotland this summer, and Millwall boss Neil Harris confirmed that the midfielder has agreed a deal to join the English Championship club on 1st January.

Kelly has signed a pre-contract with the Londoners that will be converted into a long-term contract in the new year.

The midfielder will then be able to join Millwall for the second half of the season, bolstering Harris’ options.

Kelly has reportedly been frozen out of Brendan Rodgers’ first-team squad and will play in the Lowland League with the B team until his deal expires.

Celtic will lose out on a promising player in Daniel Kelly

Kelly has already showcased his quality this season in the Lowland League, scoring two goals and providing one assist in the opening four matches.

The promising teenager has made six appearances for Celtic’s first team and did notch one goal.

Join the Football Insider WhatsApp channel to get all our exclusives and the breaking transfer news FIRST.

His versatility will be a blow to Rodgers, as he can play defensively and in a more attacking midfield role.

Another player Celtic could lose in this transfer window is Matt O’Riley, who has been heavily in demand.

Arne Engels tells friends he wants to join Celtic as talks open – sources

Augsburg midfielder Arne Engels has told friends he wants to join Celtic this summer, sources have revealed to Football Insider.

The Hoops have opened preliminary talks over a deal for the 20-year-old and are now preparing to formalise their interest.

Celtic are in the market to sign a replacement for Matt O’Riley, who is expected to leave the club before the transfer window closes on 30 August.

Football Insider revealed that Celtic are willing to accept offers of £25million for O’Riley, and have come to terms with the fact they will likely lose him this month.

French outfit Rennes are also keen on making a move for Engels, but it is understood he would prefer a move to Celtic to play in the Champions League.

Celtic want to land Arne Engels deal as Matt O’Riley exit draws closer

Engels made the move to Augsburg from Belgium’s Club NXT – Club Brugge’s reserve side – in January 2023 for a fee below £100,000, and his value has rocketed in a year and a half in Germany.

MORE INSIDER STORIES

The midfielder has established himself as a key player for Augsburg and one of the brightest talents in the Bundesliga since making the switch.

Last season, he made 33 appearances across all competitions, scoring three goals and providing five assists from midfield as he helped his club to an 11th-placed finish.

Join the Football Insider WhatsApp channel to get all our exclusives and the breaking transfer news FIRST.

Belgium boss Domenico Tedesco invited Engels to train with the senior international side during their Euro 2024 preparations in a display of how highly he is regarded.

Aged just 20, he has also shown versatility in his game by filling in at both right-back and right-midfield, which is seen as a valuable asset for Brendan Rodgers’ side.

O’Riley, meanwhile, has attracted interest from some of Europe’s top sides, including Europa League winners Atalanta, and is expected to depart Parkhead this month.

Celtic’s player of the season last time out, the Denmark international scored 19 goals and provided 18 assists in 49 appearances across all competitions.

As a result, he will prove tough to replace in Rodgers’ lineup, but the recruitment team at Celtic believe Engels will develop into an equally impactful player.

In other news, Millwall are in talks with Celtic to fast-track Daniel Kelly’s exit.

Celtic eye second Norwich City swoop as Portsmouth transfer stance made clear

Abu Kamara is attracting interest from a Champions League club. (Picture: Jason Brown/ProSportsImages | Jason Brown/ProSportsImages

Celtic are reportedly interested in signing former Pompey forward Abu Kamara.

The Scottish Premiership side who will compete in the UEFA Champions League this season completed the £8.5m signing of Adam Idah this week following a successful loan spell, and are now looking at his Canaries teammate Kamara. Pete O’Rourke, a reporter for Football Insider said in a Twitter post on Monday evening that the Glasgow giants are monitoring a move for the 21-year-old.

Over the course of the year, Kamara has been linked with several clubs in England such as Southampton, Leicester, Stoke, Brentford, and most recently Hull, and now a move north of the border has been spoken about. Despite all the transfer speculation, Kamara is in the first-team picture at Carrow Road, and with the potential sale of Jonathan Rowe, he could be ready to take a better playing opportunity in Norfolk.

His 11 assists and 10 goals in League One last term has seen him return to Norwich with a spring in his step and he has worked his way in to Johannes Hoff Thorup’s plans. Kamara came on as a substitute in a 2-0 defeat to Oxford United on Saturday, and then on Tuesday he was influential as his goal and assist helped the Canaries to a 4-3 win over Stevenage.

Check out our latest episode of Pompey Talk – which is also available on Freeview.

Kamara was a popular figure during his time on the South Coast, but a return is extremely unlikely. Earlier this week, John Mousinho consigned himself to Kamara remaining at Carrow Road following his breakthrough.

Speaking to The News on Monday, Mousinho said: ‘It (a Kamara deal) is nowhere at the minute. He’s part of Norwich’s squad and played at the weekend.

‘As far as I know Norwich have no intention to sell or move Abu on. So that’s where we are with that one.

‘I don’t think it’s one we are going to be able to pursue, unfortunately.

‘Yes (if the situation was to change they’d been keen to do a deal), everyone knows our admiration for Abu at this football club.’

Could Hibs bring in a new striker after Dylan Vente’s exit?

David Gray oversees training (Image: Ross Parker/SNS Group)

Head coach David Gray spoke to the media ahead of Hibs‘ trip to face Celtic in the Premier Sports Cup last 16 on Sunday. Here’s everything he had to say…

How much of last Sunday can you put down to Celtic being really good, and how much is stuff you can fix?

“I think Celtic were very good and there’s no getting away from that, but there’s things that we can do to improve, 100%. The first goal, for example, giving yourself a mountain to climb right away. Losing a goal in the manner we did, three minutes into the game, gives them a massive lift, gives them a foothold in the game and makes it a really difficult afternoon.

“The areas in which we can improve we’ve already identified, I think I said it straight after the game, sometimes when you speak after the game you then reflect and think, ‘Well, did I get that right, was I maybe a wee bit critical there?’  I think, when I look at it back, I still believe we can be miles braver on the ball. We didn’t carry enough of a threat and I showed that to the boys, and demonstrated areas in which we can be better.

“And we need to be better, because if we’re not better the same result will happen again. We need to improve. As I said, everyone’s fully aware of that and we’ve worked on that this week.”

Being braver on the ball, how much can you coach that, and how much comes from within players themselves?

“It’s definitely both. You need to feel it. I think that then comes back to the same thing I mentioned earlier with playing Celtic back to back, that the players have now been in that environment. Then when we watch back over the game, individually and as a group, we can demonstrate within situations – ‘What’s our options? Could you have played in that situation?’ I think everybody knows we didn’t do that, and that’s an area that we know we need to be better because Celtic are very good at keeping the ball off you, which we’ve seen at the weekend. But at the same time if you keep giving them it back it becomes a long afternoon, so we need to be braver.

“We’ve demonstrated that against Celtic before, that we can do it, it’s just about being brave and making sure you’re in the right position to be able to do it. Making the right decisions at the time, that’s always the biggest challenge.”

Bringing in Kwon, what qualities of his do you like?

“His quality on the ball; I’ve seen that day one in training as well, he’s really comfortable with both feet, handles the ball really well. And his athleticism, his ability to get around the pitch, his size; he’s aggressive with the way he presses and he’s got really good pedigree, he played at a really good level. So he definitely adds quality to an area that I think we needed to do.  He’s good in tight spaces which is the reason why Celtic have probably signed him. And, as I say, I’m delighted to be able to bring him in because he’s someone who definitely adds all that to us.”

You must feel as though you’re getting a baptism of fire, facing Celtic back-to-back?

“Yeah, listen, it’s not ideal. It comes back to us in the group stages: if you go and win the group, you get seeded. I’m not shying away from that at all, but I’ve said it already – to go and win a cup you need to try and beat the best and it’s an opportunity to do that in the cup game.

“In terms of the league, it’s been a tough start, but you need to play every team at least three or four times a season. so there are no easy games in this league. St Mirren away, first game of the season, and for 45 minutes, I thought we were very good, then the second 45 minutes we were really poor and we lost the game. So we can’t go into any game thinking there’s a right to win, or any game is easier than any other. In this league, everybody can beat everyone on their day and we need to be at 100% to make sure we can do that.”

You were saying that you might have to take a bit of short-term pain for long-term gain,  do you hope that people understand that? 

“One thing I wouldn’t want it to be is an excuse, definitely not. At this moment in time, yes; players are getting up to speed, players are only just in the building, there are new fresh ideas, all these things. But there’s still a good group of players here that need to step up to the level. There is competition now which will help push people on, I’ve already seen that on the training pitch and it’s about that then coming out in the games.

“People will talk about how we’ve got Celtic back to back and how difficult it can be and, of course, it is the biggest test you’ll face, going and playing Celtic away from home. But it’s something I touched on even before the game at the weekend, that you should enjoy the challenge of going and testing yourself,  then understanding what it felt like at the weekend, where we let ourselves down, and how we can be better.”

Speaking of brave, the first thing Kieron Bowie did when he came on was knock over Cameron Carter-Vickers. It’s a different kind of brave, but is that kind of gallusness something you’d like to bottle for all the players?

“100%. Kieron really enjoys the physical side, which is a massive part of the game in Scotland. It’s why he was very attractive to us with the qualities he’s got,  and like you’ve touched on there, there are very much two different types of bravery.

“There’s the bravery to go and put your foot in – I think you need to always respect your opponent, but you should never fear them. You should go and test yourself against them, and if you’re too passive – which we definitely were – it becomes easier for the opposition.

“We definitely need to be more aggressive, we need to be more on the front foot and make sure we put pressure on players rather than standing off too much. And then there’s the other side of bravery, when your team-mate is in possession of the ball.

“If he makes a good decision to take a touch, you need to be brave enough then to get in a position to help him rather than shying away from it. It doesn’t just come from the person directly on the ball, it comes from everybody involved to make sure they’re helping their team-mates, getting on the ball, and keeping it off Celtic.”

How far away are Junior Hoilett and Nicky Cadden from full fitness?

“Junior’s further behind just because of his injury, so he’s recovering from an injury rather than Nicky, who’s just recovering from being unattached. He’s done loads of work himself but it’s very different to when you actually come in and train with a group. He’s gone from doing individual running and things like that to group sessions  – reacting, twisting and turning, and all the situations that you can’t really re-enact.

“I think that’s something that I definitely felt as a player when I was coming back from injuries – which seemed like every other week! – that you can do as much running as you want individually, but to actually re-enact the pressures and situations of the game is so different to doing set things.

“Knowing that you have to run up to a line and turn, for example, compared to someone making you do things in-game. That’s the bit that’s missing for him at the moment, but as I say he’s had another full week’s training and he’ll definitely come into the plans at the weekend.”

With Dylan Vente having gone back to the Netherlands, were you with the club in facilitating that, or did you try to convince him to stay? How does it work?

“He was very frustrated in terms of not taking chances because he’s got a high standard of performance in training, he’s very good. He’s very good in front of goal, and the biggest thing was the fact that the chances he missed in pre-season came from him being in the right areas.

“I don’t believe he got as many opportunities throughout the whole of last season really, so these are all the things coaches look at; how could we try and make him better, how could we get him into these positions, get him the service, get him more touches in the box, try to get the best qualities out of him and the other strikers round about him.”

Are you considering bringing in someone else? 

“It’s definitely something we’d need to look towards, 100%. You need that competition for places. At the same time, though, it’s not as straightforward as just going and signing a centre-forward. You’ve already seen it can be very difficult to bring the right people in. I keep going back to it –  it’s about the right type of people we bring in, you just don’t go and sign a striker. The person you bring has to be able to affect the group in a positive way, and anyone coming in needs to be at least at [Dylan’s] level or else you’d put yourself in a weakened situation.”

And managers do say finding a striker is the hardest piece of the jigsaw…

“Yeah, well, obviously they’re very high in demand. Scoring goals is a big part of the game. They’re hard to find and that’s why they get paid more money than most people, nine times out of ten.

“The work’s going on all the time; we’re constantly looking to try to improve the squad and we’ll continue to do that because whilst the window’s open you need to be proactive all the time. The situation can change; our ideal situation might not be where things are right now but in a week’s time it can look completely different.

“I think we’ve already demonstrated that in the last ten days with the players we’ve brought to the club, and we’ve demonstrated it quite quickly with bringing in the two centre-backs and the goalkeeper earlier in the window. Every team and every club around the country, and in England, are all doing the exact same thing and I’m sure as the window stays open it’ll start to move again.”

5 Celtic transfer headlines as Luke McCowan awaits opening bid, Arne Engels roadblocks and Renato Tapia finds club

Brendan Rodgers has his hands full this transfer window

Luke McCowan is wanted by Celtic

Celtic have their hands full for the remainder of the transfer window with a number of positions still needing filled.

Brendan Rodgers has always wanted quality over quantity but it’s both elements needed at Parkhead with Champions League football to come and the necessity to retain the Premiership crown and attempt the Treble once again. They might have to do all that without Matt O’Riley who is believed to be getting closer to a move to Atalanta as the Serie A club continue to push for the Dane.

Celts are holding strong for their £25million guaranteed asking price but the feeling is that will eventually be met which leaves the champions with a glaring hole in that position.

One man who could fill that void is Augsburg’s Arne Engels who has been the subject of talks between clubs. Football Scotland told you the O’Riley sale would have to happen before Engels, 20, could be properly pursued while the Bundesliga club also have Ruben Vargas seeking a summer exit and that leaves them looking to avoid losing two stars in the same position.

Luke McCowan at Dundee has emerged as a target for the Hoops but Football Scotland understands no bid has yet to be tabled by Rodgers and co. with just Hibs thus far having multiple offers knocked back.

Former Celta Vigo defender Renato Tapia was named via social media as a possible target for Celtic but the Peruvian midfielder was confirmed as a Leganés player earlier today.

Ben Doak has multiple clubs sniffing around after Liverpool put him on their loan list and he could remain in the Premier League. Clubs abroad are also keen.

There has been no decision yet made by Owen Beck or his team amid interest from QPR and Celtic.

Atalanta identify O’Riley transfer alternative as Celtic talks drag on

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers with Matt O’Riley (Image: SNS)

As Teun Koopmeiners closes in on a transfer to Juventus, Atalanta are racing to find a centre-midfielder replacement.

The Serie A club are currently waiting for Celtic’s next stance on Matt O’Riley’s future while also considering Udinese’s Lazar Samardzic as an alternative option.

Koopmeiners’ move is expected to be finalised this week for around €59million, prompting Atalanta to act quickly.

They have made five bids for O’Riley, the latest being £21.5m. Celtic have rejected every single one of them, however according to La Gazzetta dello Sport, the Scottish Premiership giants have now lowered their asking price to around £25m, bringing the two clubs closer to a deal.

The report claims Atalanta chiefs are hesitant to increase their offer and are exploring other avenues, including Samardzic, who was previously linked to AC Milan, until the “exhausting” saga is complete.

With the transfer window closing in just over two weeks’ time, Atalanta aims to strengthen their midfield for the upcoming season in the Italian top-flight.

Celtic have their own man in mind should O’Riley depart Parkhead, and there’s talk that the Augsburg star has already informed his friends that he wants the transfer to happen.

Arne Engels is the name, and the 20-year-old midfielder is already attracting interest from Ligue 1 outfit Rennes.

Although, it’s thought that he would prefer to choose Celtic due to the opportunity to play Champions League football under Brendan Rodgers.

Last season Engles made 33 appearances, scoring three goals and providing five assists.

EXCLUSIVECeltic consider move for Swiss star Sanches as potential midfield replacement for outgoing O’Riley

Celtic have identified Lausanne’s Alvyn Sanches as a candidate to replace coveted midfielder Matt O’Riley.

Europa League holders Atalanta had their latest bid for the Danish international kicked out last night, an offer of £21.5million plus £2m add-ons rejected.

Celtic are holding out for a deal which shatters their previous record sales of £25million for Kieran Tierney and Jota, to Arsenal and Al-Ittihad, respectively.

And manager Brendan Rodgers insists the Scottish champions won’t give the time of day to any bids until their valuation of 23-year-old O’Riley is met.

Serie A side Atalanta, beaten 2-0 by Real Madrid in the European Super Cup Final on Tuesday night, view O’Riley as the ideal replacement for Juventus-bound Teun Koopmeiners, whose move to Turin hinges on the Bergamo-based club securing a midfielder of their own.

Swiss Under-21 star Alvyn Sanches has been identified as a midfield replacement for O’Riley

O’Riley remains a Celtic player for now after Atalanta’s latest bid was kicked out by the club

Celtic have been keeping tabs on Dundee forward Luke McCowan, with Hibs also keen

Real Madrid vs Atalanta – UEFA Super Cup RECAP: All the reaction

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Atalanta are also looking at Udinese’s Lazar Samardzic.

O’Riley remains relaxed over his future. Should he leave before the close of the window, Celtic will move to replace him from a list of potential replacements.

Competition for £4.3m-rated Swiss under-21 international Sanches stems from Nice, Club Bruges, Anderlecht and Burnley. Keen to take the next step in his career, the 21-year-old is expected to leave Switzerland before the close of the window.

Celtic have also been linked with £10m-rated Belgian wonderkid Arne Engels.

A late contender for Belgium’s Euro 2024 squad, the 20-year-old has impressed with Bundesliga side Augsburg.

As Mail Sport reported last week, the Parkhead side have also compiled reports on Dundee forward Luke McCowan, but have yet to firm up any interest with Hibs having already tested the Dens Park club’s resolve to keep the 26-year-old.

With just two weeks of Celtic’s transfer window remaining, the club are juggling multiple incoming and outgoing deals.

The signature of Adam Idah has added a much-needed boost to Brendan Rodgers’ attacking firepower but there are plenty of other priorities in the squad.

One of those is sourcing a replacement for Matt O’Riley if the midfielder leaves the club this summer.

Last season’s standout is being pursued by multiple teams in England and across Europe, with the potential of a sizable bid beyond £25m that tempts Celtic to sell.

To that end, Celtic are looking at Augsburg talent Arne Engels – and a big money move is possible per reports this week.

Arne Engels fancies a move to the Bhoys

Sky Sports reports that the Germans value him at around £9m in the market, meaning he would be an expensive purchase by Celtic’s standards.

However, there is hope of a deal being done. Despite interest from elsewhere including French side Rennes, Engels is said to favour a move to Glasgow to play Champions League football.

Any move is dependent on O’Riley leaving the club this summer. So if the Danish international doesn’t make his switch, we won’t see Engels in Scotland.

Engels has an exciting profile

Still just 20, Engels has been a breakthrough talent in the Bundesliga over the last two seasons, making 51 appearances in total for Augsburg.

FotMob reckon he’s a midfielder who has an eye for goal and forward-thinking creativity in possession, looking to be something of a like-for-like replacement for O’Riley – albeit with lots of development to come.

Celtic are benchmarking their potential replacement for O’Riley at a quality level with other names such as Daniel Gazdag linked with a switch to the Bhoys this summer.

Many fans will be keeping their fingers crossed that Celtic manage to retain O’Riley’s talent for another season but if he does leave then the club must delve into the market with a bit of ambition.

Renato Tapia won’t be joining Celtic this summer after a flurry of speculation earlier this week linking him with a move to Scotland.

Tapia, a defensive midfielder, popped up on the radar of Celtic supporters after social media and messageboard chatter suggested he could be added to Brendan Rodgers’ squad this summer.

South American outlets also reported that the Bhoys were one of several options for the long-serving Peruvian international after he became a free agent.

However, following an exit from Celta Vigo, he’ll be staying in Spain.

Renato Tapia joins La Liga side as Celtic pursue other targets

CD Leganes, recently promoted to La Liga, have added Tapia to their ranks. They officially announced his arrival earlier on Thursday, ending any potential of a switch to Celtic.

The 29-year-old has signed a two-year deal and is already involved on the training pitch as the Spanish side prepare for their season-opener away to Osasuna.

Celtic have been keen on multiple other midfielders this summer but Tapia stood out because he offered a different profile.

The Bhoys haven’t been linked with many defensive-minded midfield options over the last 12 months.

Far more likely is a more attacking option joining the club as a replacement for Matt O’Riley, who is being aggressively pursued by teams across Europe this summer.

Arne Engels has been viewed as the most likely candidate to join Celtic in recent days, should O’Riley end up leaving Glasgow.

The £9m-rated midfielder is being pursued by other suitors, including Rennes in France, but he’s said to hold interest in pulling on the green and white hoops.

With a left-back and centre-back also needed, as a minimum, in the finals weeks of the window, Celtic have to start getting busier in the transfer market.

Arne Engels Celtic transfer talks held but TWO hurdles must be cleared for Augsburg star

The talisman attacking midfielder has interest from the Hoops

Arne Engels of FC Augsburg is a Celtic target

Celtic have held talks over a potential move for Augsburg’s Arne Engels – but must wait for TWO hurdles to be cleared.

Football Scotland understands the Hoops hold a genuine interest in the Belgian playmaker and have contacted the German club about a potential swoop for the 20-year-old. Engels made 33 appearances in all competitions last season and hit three goals with five assists to his name. That form has alerted Parkhead scouts who are keen and have reached out.

Engels would cost a pretty penny with around £10million being touted as the price his club want for his services, but it’s an outgoing Celtic man who would hold the key to any deal going through.

Matt O’Riley is expected to leave the club this summer with a fifth Atalanta bid being booted out by the Scottish champions who are still holding out for the £25million guaranteed with add-ons bumping the deal up. Should the Danish international leave, the path would be clearer for Engels at that stage.

Sources in Germany have also indicated to Football Scotland that another domino could have to be knocked down on Augsburg’s side of the deal. We understand their playmaker Ruben Vargas is hoping to leave the club before the end of the transfer window and that would throw a spanner in the works as the Bundesliga outfit would then be loath to lose both attacking midfielders from their squad.

The window in Scotland remains open until September 1 and Brendan Rodgers wants reinforcements at left-back, defence and in midfield. Another striker could also be brought in if conditions are correct.

Director says Celtic and Crystal Palace must pay over £7m to sign wonderkid

When you have Bayer Leverkusen for competition in a transfer battle, then you can be pretty confident that the player in question is one of considerable talent.

Bundesliga and German Cup winners under Xabi Alonso last season, Leverkusen’s remarkable success story is proof of not only what can be achieved with elite-level coaching but also a recruitment department operating at the very top of their game.

Jeremie Frimpong is a perfect example of both Alonso’s ability to turn good players into great ones, as well as Leverkusen’s ability to unearth rough diamonds available for bargain fees.

The jet-heeled wideman moved to the Bay Arena from Celtic back in January 2021. He set Leverkusen back just £11.5 million at the time. These days, Frimpong is on the radar of Manchester City amongst others, HITC understands.

And, three-and-a-half years on, Celtic may find themselves going head-to-head with Frimpong’s current employers for one of the next generation’s rising stars.

Celtic face Leverkusen battle for Bazoumana Toure

According to Swedish publication Fotboll Direkt, Brendan Rodgers’ side scouted Bazoumana Toure during Hammarby’s 2-0 win away at Brommapojkarna in July.

And talk about timing.

The teenage midfielder opened the scoring in front of those Hoops talent-spotters, spinning on the ball inside the box and lashing it into the top corner with his left boot.

That is one of five goals Bazoumana Toure has scored in just ten league starts this season, in addition to his two assists. Understandably, given such a return and considering that he only turned 18 a few months back, Celtic are not alone in their pursuit.

Bayer Leverkusen are keen. As are Eintracht Frankfurt and Crystal Palace of the Premier League.

Hammarby have wasted little time in setting their stall out, however. Toure is not for sale. And, even if he was, anyone who comes calling would have to make an offer in excess of £7.3 million to twist their arm, the Stockholm-based outfit determined to make Toure the most expensive sale in their entire history.

“There are definitely clubs that contact us from the top five leagues,” sporting director Mikael Hjelmberg tells Fotboll Direkt. “But we have been clear that we do not want to sell at all.

“(Toure) is an important player for us and our ambition is to keep him. We have not come to the negotiating table. We have only said that we are not interested in selling.”

“Of course that is the ambition,” Hjelmberg adds, confirming that the Ivory Coast international will have to be the subject of an offer capable of making the record books. “It definitely is.

“We knew that he is a very good player but (his development) may have gone faster than we thought.”

Bids must be over £7 million for Swedish league starlet

The director admits that Hammarby may be powerless to prevent Toure’s departure if they receive an offer in the region of their 100 million-plus Swedish Krone asking price. As things stand, however, no such offers have arrived.

“Where we are right now, and since we haven’t been given anything really concrete to decide on, it’s quite simple,” concludes Hjelmberg.

Scandinavian football is becoming a very fertile development home for young African footballers looking to make their name in Europe.

Mohammed Kudus and Ibrahim Osman, for example, both sealed big-money moves to the Premier League – with West Ham United and Brighton respectively – after honing their talents at Nordsjaelland.

Bazoumana Toure could soon be in the next cab off the rank.

He returned to haunt Brommapojkarna’s dreams again this week, notching twice in a 3-3 draw. Toure’s first showcased his explosive pace and cool finishing, while his second was tucked away with effortless, instinctive quality.

“He is as good as he shows. He is threatening all the time,” Hammarby teammate Nahir Besara tells Expressen.

“It feels like Toure has another level in him. We just need to refine the diamond.”