Celtic have not walked away from their move for Joel Mvuka, with The Scottish Sun reporting that the deal could still go ahead despite the late complications. Talks are ongoing as the club try to find a way through the issues that emerged during the medical process.

The agreement with Lorient remains in place. That has not changed. What has slowed things is the need to look again at medical details before anything is signed off. With time running down, Celtic are trying to decide whether the issue can be resolved quickly enough or whether they are forced to step back.

Celtic are still short of a natural right winger who can stretch the pitch and attack full-backs. Recent games have shown how often play becomes narrow, with defenders allowed to hold their line and force play into traffic.

Mvuka offers pace and direct running, something that has been missing at times when the ball moves side to side without penetration. Celtic were planning to use him straight away rather than easing him in, which is why the late delay has caused such frustration.

That is why the club are still working on the deal rather than shelving it. Walking away leaves a hole that cannot easily be filled before the deadline. Staying in talks at least keeps the door open.

From Mvuka’s side, the wait continues. He has had limited starts in France and was keen on the move. Whether the final clearance comes in time will decide everything.

For now, the deal is alive. Celtic are still pushing, knowing exactly what problem they are trying to fix.