Journo Confirms Camilo Duran Deal “Moving Closer”

Journalist Roger Hannah has added to the growing sense that Celtic’s move for Camilo Duran is now progressing.

The Qarabağ forward has been heavily linked with a move to Glasgow in recent days, with reports in Azerbaijan claiming Celtic are preparing an improved offer after seeing an opening bid rejected.

Hannah has now said the deal is moving closer, while also suggesting Celtic could have wrapped it up earlier.

Speaking on Clyde 1 Superscoreboard, he said: “The deal is moving closer.

“I believe it’s one that Celtic had the opportunity to close out a little bit of time ago, but the deal wasn’t done, and it looks as if they’re getting around to it now.”

That will be an interesting line for supporters, especially given the way the transfer has developed over the last few days.

Reports from Azerbaijan have claimed Celtic’s first offer was rejected by Qarabağ, with the Hoops now expected to return with a stronger proposal. The suggestion is that Celtic are prepared to pay around £3million, while other reports have claimed the new offer could be around 30% higher than the first one.

There have also been claims that terms have been agreed on the player side, although there has still been no official confirmation from either club.

Duran scored 15 goals and provided 10 assists for Qarabağ last season, including five goals in the Champions League.

That European return is a major part of his appeal. Celtic need more quality in the final third, and Duran would bring a forward option who has already shown he can produce outside domestic football.

Hannah’s update does not mean the deal is done, but it does add to the feeling that Celtic are now trying to get this one over the line.

The key step remains agreement between the clubs. Until that happens, caution is still needed, but the direction of travel around Duran now looks clear.