Celtic expected to sign attacking duo on transfer deadline day

almost 3 years in The Irish Times

Celtic are expected to be busy on transfer deadline day, with Benfica winger Joao Filipe Jota and Georgios Giakoumakis due to check in to Parkhead.
In addition, attacking duo Odsonne Edouard and Ryan Christie could be on their way out of Ange Postecoglou’s squad.
Monday was remarkably quiet in terms of deals being formally announced in the cinch Premiership, but with most managers in Scotland’s top flight still keen to add reinforcements, an array of new arrivals and some high-profile departures are anticipated on Tuesday.
Celtic hope to conclude a loan deal for 22-year-old Benfica winger Jota, as well as the permanent signing of Greek striker Giakoumakis from Dutch club VVV Venlo.
Edouard — who has been heavily touted for a move away from Celtic Park throughout the past year — is poised to move to Selhurst Park after Celtic and Crystal Palace agreed a transfer fee, while the Frenchman’s team-mate Christie could also be on his way out, with Burnley and Bournemouth leading the chase for the Scotland attacker.
Across the city, Rangers fans will hope to hold on to their key men.
Croatian left-back Borna Barisic performed what appeared to be an emotional farewell after Sunday’s Old Firm derby win, while Alfredo Morelos, Glen Kamara and Ryan Kent are others who could attract interest.
League leaders Hibernian are likely to confirm the loan signing of Middlesbrough defender Nathan Wood, while manager Jack Ross plans to add at least one further new face to his squad.
If they get the players they want, the Easter Road club are likely to allow some fringe men, including Jamie Gullan, to move on, although supporters will be desperate to see key duo Kevin Nisbet and Josh Doig remain at the club beyond the deadline.
Across Edinburgh, Hearts are still intent on adding at least one new face.
St Johnstone manager Callum Davidson hopes to add “one or two”, with former Hamilton midfielder Ali Crawford set for a loan move to McDiarmid Park from Bolton, while the Perth club will also hope to hold on to key men like Jason Kerr and Ali McCann.
Dundee boss James McPake, who has been linked with Celtic striker Leigh Griffiths, is “hoping to do business”.
Aberdeen manager Stephen Glass has hinted that his transfer activity is all complete, although winger Ryan Hedges has become the subject of interest in recent days.
Ross County boss Malky Mackay is content with the make-up of his squad and will only go into the market if “the right player” becomes available.
Motherwell are aiming to tie up a deal for Norwegian defender Sondre Solholm Johansen, while St Mirren — who have been linked with a loan move for Wolves’ Republic of Ireland midfielder Connor Ronan — are also likely to be active on deadline day.

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