What happened?
Celtic have reportedly not given up on landing Paderborn midfielder Mika Baur despite hitting a stumbling block over the asking price. The 22-year-old has been on the Hoops' radar for several weeks and is understood to have already agreed personal terms over a move to the Scottish championship.
Why it matters for Celtic
The Daily Record report that Celtic remain in negotiations for Baur, who is keen to make the switch to Celtic. Despite the midfielder entering the final year of his contract, Paderborn are reportedly refusing to budge from their £7million valuation and are prepared to risk losing him for nothing next summer.
What comes next?
Baur's pursuit is not believed to depend on the potential departure of Arne Engels, with Torino midfielder Gvidas Gineitis viewed as a possible replacement for the Belgian. The German could instead bolster Martin O'Neill's midfield options amid uncertainty surrounding Reo Hatate's place in the Celtic side.
Recent form
Celtic are currently 3rd in the Premiership, 67 points clear of 2nd-placed Heart of Midlothian, with a recent 5-game winning run that has propelled them to the top of the table. They have scored 59 goals this season, conceding just 35, and are on a 5-game winning run.
Currently sidelined
Jota is currently sidelined with an injury, but Celtic are confident that he will return to full fitness in time for the new season.
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