Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images
Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images
Celtic have been linked with signing some of Chelsea’s unwanted players ahead of the deadline tonight, such as the returning Kendry Paez and two others – but a surprise player is set for Parkhead.
For weeks now, Celtic have been linked with signing left-back Landon Emenalo. Michael’s son impressed in pre-season and Xabi Alonso was left impressed, but with Pep Chavarria signed, a loan is required.
Emenalo was set for Celtic until a move stalled due to fitness concerns. Emenalo could still move to Celtic, but he will have to prove he is fit enough to provide competition for former Arsenal ace Kieran Tierney.
Then, it was claimed Celtic were monitoring both Kendry Paez and Gaga Slonina. There is a scenario that could see all three move to Celtic, and now the Scottish champions are being linked with a fourth player.
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Chelsea set to send Shim Mheuka on loan to Celtic
Despite Celtic being linked with Slonina, Paez and Emenalo, reports from Sky Sports claim teenage striker Shim Mheuka is now undergoing a medical in London before completing a loan move to Celtic today.
Chelsea U21 v Manchester City U21 - Premier League 2
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Mheuka is one of Chelsea’s biggest talents coming through their Cobham academy, and a loan to Celtic shows just how highly he is rated. Last season, Mheuka scored 25 goals in 31 games for the U21s.
Mheuka needed to go on loan; first-team chance unlikely
Over the last few seasons, 18-year-old Mheuka has clocked up nine senior appearances for Chelsea, though he is yet to score. Four of those appearances came last term, across three different competitions.
With Joao Pedro first choice, and both Emmanuel Emegha and Danny Welbeck signed, Mheuka was effectively Xabi Alonso’s fourth pick. It has already forced Liam Delap and Marc Guiu to leave Chelsea.
Does Mheuka take up an international loan spot?
Under normal circumstances, England U19 international Mheuka would normally take up a loan spot. Celtic count as a foreign club. Chelsea are set to use up a fifth spot with Robert Sanchez joining Como.
Shumaira Mheuka celebrates during Chelsea U21 v Manchester City U21 - Premier League 2
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Jesse Derry, Benoit Badiashile, Mamadou Sarr and Filip Jorgensen are the other players using a loan slot. But players under 21, and have trained at Chelsea between 15 and 21 do not count. Mheuka fits the bill.
Like Emenalo, Mheuka would be able to join Celtic without taking up another loan spot. It allows the Blues to keep one free, with Jamie Gittens being strongly linked with a move to Manu Kone’s Roma.