Celtic transfer business could be done in and out the way at Parkhead.
It’s been claimed that Celtic are eying a deal for one of their top targets on the cheap - as Everton and Fulham interest in one of their current stars is assessed.
Strikers Camillo Duran and Kasper Hogh have been recruited ahead of their Premiership curtain raiser versus Dundee but other areas of their team need bolstering. Boss Martin O’Neill has been consistently linked with with Paderborn’s Mika Baur but a deal for the midfielder who’s impressed at Bundesliga 2 level has not been agreed.
Alistair Johnston is a player that could go the other way with Everton interested in a move for the Canadian international. Transfer journalist Pete O’Rourke has been commenting on both situations, with Celtic looking to strike a bargain when it comes to Baur as he is in the final year of his deal, while the champions could face a cash-in problem over Johnston if someone like Everton or Fulham meet their valuation.
What is the latest with Celtic transfer business?
O’Rourke told the Transfer Insider Podcast: "For Celtic, they don't really want to lose Johnston, but I think they're realistic that if a big money offer arrives for the right-back, they'll probably have to cash in on him as well. You're probably looking at Celtic wanting around £14million plus for him, with add-ons.
“Whether Everton are willing to do that, or Fulham, that remains to seen. Celtic are trying to get him (Baur) in as cheap as possible because he's only got one year left on his contract. Paderborn, obviously, are trying to hold out for the highest asking price they can get, I think of around €5million (£4.3m). Celtic have made a couple of offers for him, and I'm sure they're getting closer to bridging that gap to what Paderborn are demanding and what they're willing to pay as well."
Callum Osmand joined Celtic last season from Fulham and is ready to fight for his place in the striker department after Duran and Hogh’s arrival. He said: “I feel way more part it now than I did before. It's tough when you come in and you have nothing under your belt. I felt I could have contributed before at Fulham, even when I was younger.
Callum Osmand of Celtic celebrates scoring his team's third goal during the Premier Sports Cup Semi Final match between Celtic and Rangers at Hampden Parkplaceholder image
Callum Osmand of Celtic celebrates scoring his team's third goal during the Premier Sports Cup Semi Final match between Celtic and Rangers at Hampden Park | Getty Images
What does Callum Osmand think about time at Celtic?
"I knew I could contribute up here, but it's a case of getting that first opportunity to actually show that you're capable. Once you break the first barrier, it makes people trust you more. I do feel more part of it now. Martin came in for his first game and I played, so that showed some belief in me. It really helped me with my confidence.
”It's all been really positive and I feel a big part of the squad now. It's good to feel that you're wanted around the place and hopefully I can prove something this year. At Fulham, Raul Jimenez, Rodrigo Muniz and Carlos Vinicius were ahead of me. It was a weird one because Marco Silva wanted a certain calibre of striker, a certain build. It was a different situation, but it's always tough when you have those big names ahead of you and you're young. It's just about showing what you can do. It's easier as the years go on.”