Celtic assistant manager Shaun Maloney has given a transfer update, with multiple arrivals expected.
The deadline for clubs to submit squads for the league phase of the Europa League is Wednesday at 11 pm. Scotland’s transfer window shuts at 5 pm on Thursday.
It means the Hoops face a race against the clock should they sign players who are eligible for Europe.
Two midfielders are nearing moves. PSV’s Joel van den Berg is set to sign a permanent deal, worth up to £3.4 million, while Parma’s Oliver Sorensen is due to arrive on a season-long loan with an option to buy.
Talks between Celtic and Torino are ongoing for long-time summer target Gvidas Gineitis.
Maloney was asked about the trio, but stopped short of specifically naming any. He said (Celtic Player):
“I don’t think anything’s confirmed just yet with the guys. I think the profiles of what we need in those positions are really important that we do replace what we’ve lost.
“Arne [Engels], what he brought, yeah, we need to replace.
“Hopefully by the time the European window and our own window shuts, we get to add that to the squad.
“We’ve got some really good players. There are just specific things that we need in certain games. The club’s working really hard to give us those types of players.”
Sam Johnstone arrived at the Celtic training complex ahead of his season-long loan move to the Hoops. Maloney was asked whether he’d be a backup to Viljami Sinisalo or to provide strong competition for the number one jersey.
“The goalkeeper department – Ross Doohan’s been really good for Vil [Sinisalo], pushing him, but I think we need another extra senior goalkeeper in there to push the two of them”, Maloney continued.
“It’s the same as outfield for me.
“Vil’s been fantastic for us this season. Whichever goalkeeper comes in, it’s up to you; you have to keep performing at the level you are to keep the shirt. That’s what it should be in each position.”
18-year-old Shim Mheuka has completed a medical ahead of a straight loan from Chelsea. He will provide further cover in the striker department, which could signal Johnny Kenny’s departure; that could be a loan or a permanent move.
It is set to be a busy end to the window for the Hoops. There have been four signings uo until this point, but many more were required.
The European deadline remains key. Any arrivals after 11 pm on Wednesday won’t be able to feature in the eight Europa fixtures, meaning Celtic need to get to work to finalise these reported deals.
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