Celtic transfer state of play on Baur, Taylor, Hassan and Araujo as Matteo Cancellieri 'idea' emerges
Celtic's transfer activity is ramping up as they prepare for their Scottish title defence, with multiple deals at various stages following the arrival of Colombian striker Camilo Duran.
The headline business centres on Danish striker Kasper Hogh, who has touched down in London ahead of his medical. The 25-year-old is set to become the club's record signing at 11 million pounds-plus, eclipsing Arne Engels' 11m switch from Augsburg two years ago. Hogh, who scored 54 goals and claimed 22 assists in just over 100 appearances for Bodo Glimt, is poised to be unveiled within 48 hours. The hitman netted against Atletico Madrid, Inter Milan, Sporting Lisbon and scored a double versus Manchester City last season.
German Under-21 midfielder Mika Baur remains a priority despite Paderborn rejecting a 4 million pound bid. The 22-year-old has already agreed personal terms with Celtic and set his heart on a switch to Glasgow. Paderborn's sporting director Sebastian Lange stated the bid was rejected because it fell short financially, explaining: "We didn't have to think twice during this transfer window." Lange added: "There are sporting and financial reasons for this." Baur is out of contract next summer, leaving Celtic hopeful of eventually securing the playmaker.
Elsewhere, right-back Julian Araujo's chances of returning appear to be fading. The Mexico international spent the second half of last season on loan from Bournemouth but saw his season cut short by injury. Reports now suggest everything is pointing to him remaining with the Premier League side after impressing boss Marco Rose.
Celtic are also pursuing Egyptian winger Haissem Hassan from Real Oviedo. His release clause dropped to 10 million pounds following the Spanish second-tier club's relegation, down from 16 million previously. However, with his contract expiring at season's end, clubs are unlikely to match that fee.
Additional targets include Italian winger Matteo Cancellieri from Lazio, whose contract expires next summer. Meanwhile, left-back Kieran Tierney's potential departure to PAOK is being floated, with Jonathan Gomez impressing during European qualifying action.