Celtic transfer activity is intensifying as the window nears its close, with several deals in motion for the Premiership leaders. According to a report from BBC Sport, the club is close to securing two midfielders while also exploring moves for a goalkeeper and a defender.
Which players are joining Celtic?
Parma midfielder Oliver Sorensen, 24, has completed a medical in London ahead of a proposed loan move to Glasgow. Anthony Joseph of BBC Sport confirmed the news, stating the Danish player is set to join. Meanwhile, PSV Eindhoven's 19-year-old midfielder Joel van den Berg is also in Glasgow to finalise a permanent transfer worth £3.4 million. "PSV Eindhoven midfielder Joel van den Berg, 19, is in Glasgow to complete a move to Celtic worth £3.4m," Anthony Joseph said.
These potential arrivals come as Celtic sit top of the Premiership with a perfect record of three wins from three games. They have a two-point lead over St Mirren and a goal difference of +6, having scored eight and conceded two. You can track their progress on the standings page.
What other positions are Celtic targeting?
The club is also working to strengthen other areas of the squad. Talks are ongoing with Wolverhampton Wanderers over a loan deal for former England goalkeeper Sam Johnstone, 33. Celtic are also set to renew their efforts to sign Blackburn Rovers' Hungarian goalkeeper Balazs Toth, 28.
In defence, efforts are being ramped up to sign Eintracht Frankfurt's French left-back Niels Nkounkou, 25. Celtic hold an interest in Southampton's Japanese right-back Yukinari Sugawara, 26, though he is reportedly close to a loan move to Cagliari. The club has also been alerted to the potential availability of Chelsea's 19-year-old Ecuadorian winger Kendry Paez on loan.
Who could be leaving Celtic Park?
Midfielder Reo Hatate is nearing a move to a club in England's Championship. The 28-year-old Japan international has been a key figure but appears set for a new challenge. His potential departure would follow a failed bid for Torino's Lithuanian midfielder Gvidas Gineitis, 22. Torino rejected Celtic's offer over the weekend and, without an improved bid, the player will stay in Italy.
How does this fit with Celtic's current form?
This flurry of activity occurs while Brendan Rodgers's team enjoys a strong start to the domestic campaign. Their next test is an away match against Dundee United on December 30th, a fixture you can find on our fixtures list. Maintaining squad depth will be important for continuing their winning form, which currently reads WWW.
What is happening elsewhere in Scotland?
Transfer news is also busy across the rest of the Premiership. Torino have agreed a deal with Everton to sign Scotland right-back Nathan Patterson, 24. Across the city, Rangers are set to sign striker Kevin Kelsy in a £9 million deal from Portland Timbers, while former captain James Tavernier has agreed to join Maccabi Tel Aviv.
Hearts have five players attracting interest, including striker Claudio Braga who they value at over £8 million, and aim to sign 18-year-old midfielder Leart Kabashi. Hibernian are keen on a loan for Nottingham Forest defender Zach Abbott, 20. Celtic's focus remains on finalising their own business ahead of the deadline to bolster a squad already leading the pack. The team's current squad details are available on our squad page.
