Celtic have agreed a deal to sign striker Camilo Duran.

Stephen McGowan has reported that the Scottish champions have struck an agreement worth £5.5 million with Qarabag.

The Colombian forward is now expected to travel to complete a medical before the move is officially confirmed, bringing an end to weeks of scouting and speculation.

It is a remarkable piece of business for Qarabag, who signed Duran from Portuguese side Portimonense for around £200,000 only last summer. Just 12 months later, they are set to bank a significant profit after the 24-year-old’s impressive campaign in Azerbaijan.

Celtic’s recruitment team have reportedly watched Duran extensively over the past few months before moving to get the deal over the line.

His numbers last season explain why.

Duran scored 15 goals and provided 10 assists in 48 appearances across all competitions, establishing himself as one of Qarabag’s standout attacking players.

He also showed he could make an impact on the European stage.

The striker found the net in Champions League matches against Benfica, Ajax, Newcastle United and Eintracht Frankfurt, experience that will only strengthen Celtic’s attacking options as they prepare for another crack at European football.

There had been some concern over the timing of the transfer.

Qarabag are due to begin their Europa League qualifying campaign on Thursday, and had Duran featured in that fixture he would have been ruled out of Celtic’s Champions League play-off tie next month under UEFA regulations.

Instead, the move appears to have been completed at the right moment, allowing Martin O’Neill to bring him into the squad without any European complications.

If everything proceeds as expected with the medical, Duran will become Celtic’s first signing of the summer transfer window.

Supporters have been waiting for movement in the market, particularly in attacking areas, and the club have now landed a player who arrives off the back of his most productive season to date.

The focus now turns to the official announcement and getting Duran integrated into O’Neill’s squad as preparations continue for the new campaign. With Champions League football once again a major priority, Celtic have moved early to secure a striker they clearly believe is ready for the next step.