Celtic news is moving fast this evening around Tomas Cvancara.
The Borussia Mönchengladbach striker has posted an image on his official Instagram story showing himself alongside his agent on a flight, destination undisclosed. With Celtic already reported to be in advanced talks for the 25-year-old, the timing has not gone unnoticed.
There has been no confirmation of where the pair are travelling, but the post aligns neatly with reports earlier in the day that Celtic and Mönchengladbach are finalising details of a loan deal with an option to buy. Personal terms are already said to be agreed.
If the move is progressing as reported, this would be the clearest signal yet that Cvancara is on the move.
Celtic’s need is immediate. The club are desperately short of striking options and are deep into January still trying to solve a problem that has lingered since last January. Any new forward arriving this week would be walking straight into contention.
That would likely mean a debut at Tynecastle on Sunday against Hearts.
With options thin and fixtures coming thick and fast, Cvancara could be thrown in quickly if clearance is completed in time. Celtic do not have the luxury of easing players in right now, particularly in attacking areas.
What he will not be involved in is Thursday’s Europa League trip to Bologna.
UEFA squad lists means he’s ineligible for the remaining group-stage fixtures. Even if Cvancara signs in the coming days, he will be watching from afar in Italy.
That places even greater emphasis on domestic action.
Cvancara’s situation over the past few months has already been well documented. He struggled with injuries during a loan spell in Turkey and ultimately terminated that deal himself after the club failed to pay his wages, returning early to Mönchengladbach. Since then, his parent club have been open to a solution, and Celtic have moved quickly once talks began.
With Celtic short of bodies and short of goals, the sight of Cvancara boarding a plane alongside his agent feels significant.
Supporters have been burned by false dawns before this window. Until paperwork is signed, nothing is certain. But for the first time in weeks, there is at least a visible trail pointing towards action rather than another holding pattern.
If this flight ends in Glasgow, Celtic may finally have their striker.
