Mika Baur Celtic Move ‘Close’

Mika Baur appears to be closing in on a move to Celtic after a major development at SC Paderborn.

According to respected local German outlet Neue Westfälische, the 22-year-old midfielder did not take part in Paderborn training on Wednesday morning.

The report says the club confirmed Baur had been given permission to hold talks, with a move to Celtic now thought to be close.

They also suggest Baur could undergo his medical as early as Wednesday.

That would represent a significant step forward after weeks of speculation around the German Under-21 international.

Celtic have been linked with Baur throughout the summer, with personal terms previously reported to have been agreed.

The main issue had been reaching an agreement with Paderborn over the transfer fee.

The Bundesliga side had taken a firm stance over Baur despite the midfielder moving into the final year of his contract.

Now, though, his absence from training and permission to hold talks suggest the situation has moved on quickly.

NW Sport note that Scottish reports have recently put the potential transfer fee at around €8 million.

Baur has emerged as one of Celtic’s main midfield targets as Martin O’Neill continues to shape his squad ahead of the new season and the upcoming Champions League play-off against LASK.

The midfielder would give Celtic another option in the middle of the pitch, particularly with uncertainty continuing around Arne Engels’ future.

There is still no official announcement from either Celtic or Paderborn at this stage.

However, being released from training to hold talks is the clearest indication yet that Baur could finally be on his way to Glasgow.

If the reported medical goes ahead on Wednesday, the deal could move towards completion quickly.